US Bridges

FAS 443 over Brush Creek

Fair

Rhea County, Tennessee · 3MI South of SR 30 · Structure no. 72S42650003

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
274
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 443 over Brush Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 443 over Brush Creek in Rhea County, Tennessee. It was built in 1954, 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 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 274 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 438 by 2042. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 443
CrossesBrush Creek
Location3MI South of SR 30
RouteState Highway 443
CountyRhea County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.49818, -85.11286
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic274 (2021)
Projected traffic438 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$374,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 443 over Brush Creek built?

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

What condition is FAS 443 over Brush 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 443 over Brush Creek carry?

About 274 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 443 over Brush Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 443 over Brush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.