US Bridges

FAU 5696 over Cumberland River

PoorPosted for load

Smith County, Tennessee · In the City of Carthage · Structure no. 800A3920001

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,412 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,931
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 5696 over Cumberland River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying FAU 5696 over Cumberland River in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 91 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,931 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,090 by 2042. The structure is 1,412 ft (430.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFAU 5696
CrossesCumberland River
LocationIn the City of Carthage
RouteCity Street 5696
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.24693, -85.95655
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length1,412 ft (430.4 m)
Longest span316 ft (96.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,931 (2021)
Projected traffic11,090 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$14.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 5696 over Cumberland River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is FAU 5696 over Cumberland River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 5696 over Cumberland River carry?

About 6,931 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 5696 over Cumberland River?

The structure is 1,412 ft (430.4 m) long with a longest span of 316 ft (96.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 5696 over Cumberland River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.