US Bridges

FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou

Good

Shelby County, Tennessee · Colonial RD - Memphis · Structure no. 79051710001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,190
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou in Shelby 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,190 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,512 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 5171
CrossesCherry Bayou
LocationColonial RD - Memphis
RouteCity Street 5171
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.10522, -89.90297
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,190 (2021)
Projected traffic6,512 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou built?

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

What condition is FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou carry?

About 5,190 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5171 over Cherry Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.