US Bridges

FAU 3 over Ravine

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .1 M FM Hernando RD · Structure no. 79SR0030009

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,141
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3 over Ravine is a concrete tee beam carrying FAU 3 over Ravine in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 91 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 16,141 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,826 by 2042. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3
CrossesRavine
Location.1 M FM Hernando RD
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.06747, -90.02194
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.4 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width52 ft (16 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,141 (2021)
Projected traffic25,826 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3 over Ravine built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is FAU 3 over Ravine 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 Ravine carry?

About 16,141 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3 over Ravine?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3 over Ravine?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.