US Bridges

FAU 385 over Howard Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Tennessee · 1.6 MI W of I240 JCT · Structure no. 79SR3850065

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
568 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
127,548
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 385 over Howard Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 385 over Howard Creek in Shelby County, Tennessee. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 127,548 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 206,048 by 2041. The structure is 568 ft (173.1 m) long and 118 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 385
CrossesHoward Creek
Location1.6 MI W of I240 JCT
RouteState Highway 385
CountyShelby County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.07117, -89.85555
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length568 ft (173.1 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width118 ft (36 m)
Roadway width116 ft (35.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127,548 (2021)
Projected traffic206,048 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 385 over Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 385 over Howard 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 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 385 over Howard Creek carry?

About 127,548 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FAU 385 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 568 ft (173.1 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 118 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 385 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.