US Bridges

FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Cherry RD - Memphis · Structure no. 790B6280001

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,268
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 5,268 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,888 by 2041. The structure is 69 ft (21 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 5178
CrossesCherry Bayou
LocationCherry RD - Memphis
RouteCity Street 5178
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.08878, -89.91672
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,268 (2021)
Projected traffic11,888 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 5178 over Cherry 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 5178 over Cherry Bayou carry?

About 5,268 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5178 over Cherry Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.