US Bridges

FAP 3 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .1 M S of SR385 · Structure no. 79SR0030042

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
19,748
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 3 over Branch is a concrete tee beam 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 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 19,748 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,597 by 2042. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 3
CrossesBranch
Location.1 M S of SR385
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.32939, -89.92308
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,748 (2021)
Projected traffic31,597 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (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 19,748 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 3 over Branch?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.