US Bridges

Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River

Fair

Carroll County, Tennessee · 5.1 MI SE JCT SR1&SR114 · Structure no. 090A4810003

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River in Carroll County, Tennessee. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 6 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 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 112 by 2039. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A481
CrossesBig Sandy River
Location5.1 MI SE JCT SR1&SR114
RouteCounty Highway 481
CountyCarroll County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.96028, -88.27
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2020)
Projected traffic112 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$140,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A481 over Big Sandy 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A481 over Big Sandy River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.