US Bridges

FAU 397 over Branch

Good

Williamson County, Tennessee · In City of Franklin · Structure no. 94SR3970017

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,868
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAU 397 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying FAU 397 over Branch in Williamson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 19,868 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,629 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesFAU 397
CrossesBranch
LocationIn City of Franklin
RouteState Highway 397
CountyWilliamson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.94777, -86.85845
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,868 (2021)
Projected traffic25,629 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$578,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAU 397 over Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAU 397 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does FAU 397 over Branch carry?

About 19,868 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FAU 397 over Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns FAU 397 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.