US Bridges

FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek

FairPosted for load

Sumner County, Tennessee · 3.2 MI NE JCT SR6&SR258 · Structure no. 830A3920001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,515
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek in Sumner County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 6,515 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,565 by 2041. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAU 4870
CrossesDrakes Creek
Location3.2 MI NE JCT SR6&SR258
RouteCity Street 4870
CountySumner County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.3365, -86.59409
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.9 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,515 (2021)
Projected traffic6,565 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 4870 over Drakes 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek carry?

About 6,515 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 4870 over Drakes Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.