US Bridges

FAU 381 over Southern Railway

Fair

Washington County, Tennessee · 1 MI from E Tn State Univ · Structure no. 90SR3810003

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
232 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,096
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 381 over Southern Railway is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAU 381 over Southern Railway in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 32,096 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,926 by 2042. The structure is 232 ft (70.6 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesFAU 381
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location1 MI from E Tn State Univ
RouteState Highway 381
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.30352, -82.38306
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length232 ft (70.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.5 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.3 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,096 (2021)
Projected traffic42,926 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 381 over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 381 over Southern Railway 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 381 over Southern Railway carry?

About 32,096 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAU 381 over Southern Railway?

The structure is 232 ft (70.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.5 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns FAU 381 over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.