US Bridges

FAU 5024 over Towles Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Germantown RD - Memphis · Structure no. 790B2620001

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,113
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5024 over Towles Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 5024 over Towles Creek in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 70 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 17,113 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,656 by 2041. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 5024
CrossesTowles Creek
LocationGermantown RD - Memphis
RouteCity Street 5024
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.02803, -89.8222
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,113 (2021)
Projected traffic18,656 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 5024 over Towles Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is FAU 5024 over Towles 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 5024 over Towles Creek carry?

About 17,113 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5024 over Towles Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5024 over Towles Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.