US Bridges

Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River

PoorPosted for load

Carter County, Tennessee · N of SR91-2 MI E of CO Li · Structure no. 10013850003

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
223 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
888
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River is a steel truss - thru carrying Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 888 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,413 by 2041. The structure is 223 ft (68.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesNfa 1385 (sa 1012)
CrossesWatauga River
LocationN of SR91-2 MI E of CO Li
RouteCounty Highway 1385
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.34563, -82.28274
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating6.4 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length223 ft (68.1 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic888 (2021)
Projected traffic1,413 by 2041
Trucks3%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River carry?

About 888 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River?

The structure is 223 ft (68.1 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1385 (sa 1012) over Watauga River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.