US Bridges

FAS 304 over Drake Branch

FairPosted for load

Meigs County, Tennessee · .5 Mi.S.Of Watts Bar Res. · Structure no. 61S43350003

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
966
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 304 over Drake Branch is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying FAS 304 over Drake Branch in Meigs County, Tennessee. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 1,589 by 2041. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 304
CrossesDrake Branch
Location.5 Mi.S.Of Watts Bar Res.
RouteState Highway 304
CountyMeigs County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.60142, -84.76725
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic966 (2021)
Projected traffic1,589 by 2041
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$854,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 304 over Drake Branch built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 304 over Drake Branch 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 Drake Branch carry?

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

How long is FAS 304 over Drake Branch?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 304 over Drake Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.