US Bridges

Nfa A038 over Lick Creek

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · Just N. of Watauga · Structure no. 100A0380001

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
140
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A038 over Lick Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A038 over Lick Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 224 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A038
CrossesLick Creek
LocationJust N. of Watauga
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.37639, -82.28778
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2020)
Projected traffic224 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$103,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A038 over Lick Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A038 over Lick Creek 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 A038 over Lick Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A038 over Lick Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A038 over Lick Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.