US Bridges

FAU 3 over Paved Ditch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Brooks Rd. Intersection · Structure no. 79SR0030005

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
36,558
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3 over Paved Ditch is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 3 over Paved Ditch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 94 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 36,558 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,493 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 114 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3
CrossesPaved Ditch
LocationBrooks Rd. Intersection
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.0615, -90.02341
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.7 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,558 (2021)
Projected traffic58,493 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$152,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3 over Paved Ditch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is FAU 3 over Paved Ditch 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does FAU 3 over Paved Ditch carry?

About 36,558 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3 over Paved Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3 over Paved Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.