US Bridges

FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · Southern Ave - Memphis · Structure no. 79SR0040031

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
208 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,170
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 66 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 14,170 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,672 by 2042. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 2861
CrossesSouthern Ave / Lamar Ave
LocationSouthern Ave - Memphis
RouteCity Street 2861
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.11628, -90.00081
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.1 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,170 (2021)
Projected traffic22,672 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$3.2 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave 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 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave carry?

About 14,170 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.1 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 2861 over Southern Ave / Lamar Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.