US Bridges

Nfa A153 over Branch

Fair

Bedford County, Tennessee · 2 M. Ne. Bell Buckle. · Structure no. 020A1530003

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A153 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A153 over Branch in Bedford County, Tennessee. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 75 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 112 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A153
CrossesBranch
Location2 M. Ne. Bell Buckle.
RouteCounty Highway 153
CountyBedford County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.60968, -86.31975
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2020)
Projected traffic112 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A153 over Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is Nfa A153 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A153 over Branch carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A153 over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A153 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.