US Bridges

Nfa A278 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Chester County, Tennessee · 0.1 MI West of SR5 · Structure no. 120A2760005

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
170
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A278 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Nfa A278 over Branch in Chester County, Tennessee. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 170 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 272 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A278
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI West of SR5
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyChester County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.36868, -88.64429
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17.9 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2020)
Projected traffic272 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$115,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A278 over Branch built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A278 over Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A278 over Branch carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A278 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A278 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.