US Bridges

FAP 81 over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Tennessee · 2.1 M NE JCT SR81&SR75 · Structure no. 90SR0810027

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,034
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 81 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAP 81 over Branch in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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.

It carries about 2,034 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,829 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.7 mi (88 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 81
CrossesBranch
Location2.1 M NE JCT SR81&SR75
RouteState Highway 81
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.34858, -82.5816
Functional classRural 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,034 (2021)
Projected traffic3,829 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.7 mi (88 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$652,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 81 over Branch carry?

About 2,034 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAP 81 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.