US Bridges

Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek

Fair

Cocke County, Tennessee · 4.5 Mi. NE of Hartford · Structure no. 150A2970003

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
230
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek in Cocke County, Tennessee. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 230 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 368 by 2038. The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A297
CrossesGulf Fork Big Creek
Location4.5 Mi. NE of Hartford
RouteCounty Highway 297
CountyCocke County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.86578, -83.10065
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2020)
Projected traffic368 by 2038
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A297 over Gulf Fork Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.