US Bridges

FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40

FairPosted for load

Smith County, Tennessee · 2.53 Mi.W.Of Gordonsville · Structure no. 80I00400009

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
277 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
873
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40 in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 873 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,397 by 2042. The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 53
CrossesSR 53 / I40
Location2.53 Mi.W.Of Gordonsville
RouteState Highway 53
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.18003, -85.9874
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating22.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length277 ft (84.4 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic873 (2021)
Projected traffic1,397 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$473,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40 carry?

About 873 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40?

The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 53 over SR 53 / I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.