US Bridges

FAS 96 over Bates Branch

Fair

Putnam County, Tennessee · 1.3MI.N.OF Buffalo Valley · Structure no. 71005250005

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
713
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 96 over Bates Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying FAS 96 over Bates Branch in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 713 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,141 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 96
CrossesBates Branch
Location1.3MI.N.OF Buffalo Valley
RouteState Highway 96
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.15871, -85.78385
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic713 (2021)
Projected traffic1,141 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$86,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 96 over Bates Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 96 over Bates 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 96 over Bates Branch carry?

About 713 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 96 over Bates Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 96 over Bates Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.