US Bridges

FAS 135 over Falling Water River

FairPosted for load

Putnam County, Tennessee · Falling Water River Dam · Structure no. 71F00130007

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
520 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
534
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 135 over Falling Water River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAS 135 over Falling Water River in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 534 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 854 by 2042. The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesFAS 135
CrossesFalling Water River
LocationFalling Water River Dam
RouteState Highway 135
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.04147, -85.59155
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length520 ft (158.5 m)
Longest span146 ft (44.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic534 (2021)
Projected traffic854 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 135 over Falling Water River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 135 over Falling Water River 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 135 over Falling Water River carry?

About 534 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 135 over Falling Water River?

The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long with a longest span of 146 ft (44.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 135 over Falling Water River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.