US Bridges

FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .06 FM SR SR14 · Structure no. 79SR0030023

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,316
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934, 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 2,316 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,706 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 3
CrossesGayoso Bayou
Location.06 FM SR SR14
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.15733, -90.04514
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.4 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,316 (2021)
Projected traffic3,706 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$427,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou built?

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

What condition is FAU 3 over Gayoso 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou carry?

About 2,316 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 3 over Gayoso Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.