US Bridges

FAU 5174 over Black Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Kimball RD - Memphis · Structure no. 790B6200001

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,234
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5174 over Black Bayou is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying FAU 5174 over Black Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 5,234 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,374 by 2042. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 5174
CrossesBlack Bayou
LocationKimball RD - Memphis
RouteCity Street 5174
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.09308, -89.93134
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,234 (2021)
Projected traffic8,374 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$301,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 5174 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 5174 over Black Bayou 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 5174 over Black Bayou carry?

About 5,234 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5174 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5174 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.