US Bridges

Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Anderson County, Tennessee · 0.6 M NE of Andersonville · Structure no. 01S23980001

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,188
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek is a steel culvert carrying Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek in Anderson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 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 3,188 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,822 by 2041. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 1297 (sa 0117)
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.6 M NE of Andersonville
RouteCounty Highway 1297
CountyAnderson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.20715, -84.02993
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,188 (2021)
Projected traffic4,822 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$227,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 3,188 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1297 (sa 0117) over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.