US Bridges

FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek

FairPosted for load

Meigs County, Tennessee · 2.6 Mi.North of Decatur · Structure no. 61S43350001

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
290 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
966
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek in Meigs County, Tennessee. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 71 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 966 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,546 by 2042. The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesFAS 304
CrossesBig Sewee Creek
Location2.6 Mi.North of Decatur
RouteState Highway 304
CountyMeigs County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.57905, -84.79231
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic966 (2021)
Projected traffic1,546 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$293,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek carry?

About 966 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 304 over Big Sewee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.