US Bridges

FAP 3 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · SR-3 & SR-388 JCT · Structure no. 79SR0030033

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
28,110
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 3 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 3 over Branch in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 28,110 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,976 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 279 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 85.1 mi (137 km).

Location

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CarriesFAP 3
CrossesBranch
LocationSR-3 & SR-388 JCT
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.23664, -90.01342
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width279 ft (85.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,110 (2021)
Projected traffic44,976 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed85.1 mi (137 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 3 over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 3 over Branch 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 FAP 3 over Branch carry?

About 28,110 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 3 over Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 279 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.