US Bridges

FAU 3 over Paved Ditch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 1 MI N of I-240S Jct. · Structure no. 79SR0030013

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,953
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3 over Paved Ditch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 3 over Paved Ditch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 15,953 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,525 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3
CrossesPaved Ditch
Location1 MI N of I-240S Jct.
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.08644, -90.01828
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,953 (2021)
Projected traffic25,525 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3 over Paved Ditch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

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 15,953 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3 over Paved Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3 over Paved Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.