US Bridges

Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Tennessee · E of SR67-N of SR36 Jct. · Structure no. 100A2490001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A249
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationE of SR67-N of SR36 Jct.
RouteCounty Highway 249
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.31217, -82.28729
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2020)
Projected traffic400 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$586,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A249 over Buffalo 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A249 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.