US Bridges

FAP 3 over Big Creek

Fair

Tipton County, Tennessee · 1.7 Mi.N.Of Shelbt Co. · Structure no. 84SR0030002

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,851
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 3 over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 3 over Big Creek in Tipton County, Tennessee. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 98 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 24,851 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,685 by 2042. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 3
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.7 Mi.N.Of Shelbt Co.
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyTipton County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.41083, -89.83253
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,851 (2021)
Projected traffic25,685 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$181,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 3 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is FAP 3 over Big 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 2024.

How much traffic does FAP 3 over Big Creek carry?

About 24,851 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAP 3 over Big Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 3 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.