US Bridges

FAS 131 over Branch

Fair

Union County, Tennessee · 3.5 M NE of Knox CO LN · Structure no. 87SR1310001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,144
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 131 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAS 131 over Branch in Union 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 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 2,144 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAS 131
CrossesBranch
Location3.5 M NE of Knox CO LN
RouteState Highway 131
CountyUnion County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.1971, -83.76489
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,144 (2021)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$92,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 131 over Branch built?

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

What condition is FAS 131 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 131 over Branch carry?

About 2,144 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 131 over Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 131 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.