US Bridges

Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River

Fair

Carter County, Tennessee · 0.1 M S of SR91 · Structure no. 10F00320001

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
271 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,857
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 2,857 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,026 by 2041. The structure is 271 ft (82.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesNfa 1388 (sa 1020)
CrossesWatauga River
Location0.1 M S of SR91
RouteCounty Highway 1388
CountyCarter County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.36755, -82.16835
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length271 ft (82.5 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,857 (2021)
Projected traffic5,026 by 2041
Trucks4%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga 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 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River carry?

About 2,857 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River?

The structure is 271 ft (82.5 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1388 (sa 1020) over Watauga River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.