US Bridges

Nfa A197 over Duck River

Fair

Bedford County, Tennessee · 3 M. S. Wartrace · Structure no. 020A1970001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
226 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
170
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A197 over Duck River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A197 over Duck River in Bedford County, Tennessee. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 170 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 272 by 2041. The structure is 226 ft (68.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A197
CrossesDuck River
Location3 M. S. Wartrace
RouteCounty Highway 197
CountyBedford County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.48005, -86.32505
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating97.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.8 m)
Longest span75 ft (23 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2020)
Projected traffic272 by 2041
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A197 over Duck River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A197 over Duck River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Nfa A197 over Duck River carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A197 over Duck River?

The structure is 226 ft (68.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (23 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A197 over Duck River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.