US Bridges

FAU 126 over Steele Creek

Fair

Sullivan County, Tennessee · .46 Mi.W.Of Bristol · Structure no. 82SR1260013

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,205
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 126 over Steele Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 126 over Steele Creek in Sullivan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 6,205 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,904 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 126
CrossesSteele Creek
Location.46 Mi.W.Of Bristol
RouteState Highway 126
CountySullivan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.58133, -82.2347
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,205 (2021)
Projected traffic9,904 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$461,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 126 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 126 over Steele 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 126 over Steele Creek carry?

About 6,205 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FAU 126 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns FAU 126 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.