US Bridges

Nfa A173 over Straight Creek

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Tennessee · 4.2 M. Ne. Wartrace · Structure no. 020A1730001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A173 over Straight Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A173 over Straight Creek in Bedford County, Tennessee. It was built in 1950, 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 90 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 144 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A173
CrossesStraight Creek
Location4.2 M. Ne. Wartrace
RouteCounty Highway 173
CountyBedford County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.55189, -86.26673
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2020)
Projected traffic144 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$77,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A173 over Straight Creek built?

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

What condition is Nfa A173 over Straight 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Nfa A173 over Straight Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A173 over Straight Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A173 over Straight Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.