US Bridges

Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek

PoorPosted for load

Carter County, Tennessee · Just SE of Elizabethton · Structure no. 10025150007

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,005
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3 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 1,005 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,627 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 1077 (sa 1011)
CrossesSulpher Creek
LocationJust SE of Elizabethton
RouteCounty Highway 1077
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.34638, -82.1541
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating4.6 US tons
Inventory rating3.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,005 (2021)
Projected traffic1,627 by 2042
Trucks5%
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$551,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek carry?

About 1,005 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1077 (sa 1011) over Sulpher Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.