US Bridges

Nfa A020 over Helton Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Tennessee · 6MI East of SR53 · Structure no. 210A0630001

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A020 over Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A020 over Helton Creek in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 64 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A020
CrossesHelton Creek
Location6MI East of SR53
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyDeKalb County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.06362, -85.94814
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 inspectionDecember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic64 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$415,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A020 over Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A020 over Helton 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A020 over Helton Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A020 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A020 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.