US Bridges

FAU 126 over Branch

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · .6 M NE JCT SR126&SR355 · Structure no. 82SR0935009

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,298
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 126 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 126 over Branch in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 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 7,298 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,630 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 126
CrossesBranch
Location.6 M NE JCT SR126&SR355
RouteState Highway 126
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.53922, -82.54723
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,298 (2021)
Projected traffic11,630 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$1.3 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 126 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 126 over Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 126 over Branch carry?

About 7,298 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 126 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 126 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.