US Bridges

Nfa A178 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Bedford County, Tennessee · 11.5 M. Sw. Shelbyville. · Structure no. 020A1780001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A178 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A178 over Branch in Bedford County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 48 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A178
CrossesBranch
Location11.5 M. Sw. Shelbyville.
RouteCounty Highway 178
CountyBedford County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.39707, -86.63217
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2020)
Projected traffic48 by 2042
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$208,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A178 over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A178 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A178 over Branch carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A178 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A178 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.