US Bridges

FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek

Fair

Smith County, Tennessee · 1 Mile West of Carthage · Structure no. 80SR0240009

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,375
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 4,375 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,912 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 401 (sr 24)
CrossesWard Creek
Location1 Mile West of Carthage
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.2545, -86.00265
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.3 m)
Roadway width96 ft (29.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,375 (2021)
Projected traffic6,912 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$512,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek carry?

About 4,375 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 401 (sr 24) over Ward Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.