US Bridges

Nfa A421 over Short Creek

Good

Blount County, Tennessee · 2 M. W. Townsend. · Structure no. 050A4240003

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,050
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A421 over Short Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A421 over Short Creek in Blount County, Tennessee. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,680 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 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 A421
CrossesShort Creek
Location2 M. W. Townsend.
RouteCounty Highway 421
CountyBlount County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.67823, -83.79153
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2020)
Projected traffic1,680 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$155,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A421 over Short Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A421 over Short Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A421 over Short Creek carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A421 over Short Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A421 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.