US Bridges

FAP 3 over Big Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · .2 M N of SR385 · Structure no. 79SR0030043

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
224 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,424
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 3 over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 3 over Big Creek in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 29,424 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,078 by 2042. The structure is 224 ft (68.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 3
CrossesBig Creek
Location.2 M N of SR385
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.33431, -89.91747
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length224 ft (68.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (23 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,424 (2021)
Projected traffic47,078 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 3 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 3 over Big Creek 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 Big Creek carry?

About 29,424 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 3 over Big Creek?

The structure is 224 ft (68.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (23 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 3 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.