US Bridges

FAS 438 over Branch

Fair

Perry County, Tennessee · Northwest of Linden · Structure no. 68S62430007

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
787
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 438 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 438 over Branch in Perry 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 787 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,275 by 2041. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesFAS 438
CrossesBranch
LocationNorthwest of Linden
RouteState Highway 438
CountyPerry County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.72083, -87.93418
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic787 (2021)
Projected traffic1,275 by 2041
Trucks6%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 438 over Branch built?

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

What condition is FAS 438 over 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAS 438 over Branch carry?

About 787 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAS 438 over Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 438 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.