US Bridges

FAS 303 over Sale Creek

FairPosted for load

Rhea County, Tennessee · 2MI. N. of Graysville · Structure no. 72S43750003

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,677
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 303 over Sale Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FAS 303 over Sale Creek in Rhea County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,677 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,683 by 2042. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 303
CrossesSale Creek
Location2MI. N. of Graysville
RouteState Highway 303
CountyRhea County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.47674, -85.07267
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,677 (2021)
Projected traffic2,683 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$326,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 303 over Sale Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 303 over Sale 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 303 over Sale Creek carry?

About 1,677 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 303 over Sale Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 303 over Sale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.