US Bridges

Nfa A251 over Branch

PoorPosted for load

Dyer County, Tennessee · 4 MI W of Newbern · Structure no. 230A2580001

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
920
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A251 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Nfa A251 over Branch in Dyer County, Tennessee. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 920 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,472 by 2040. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A251
CrossesBranch
Location4 MI W of Newbern
RouteCounty Highway 251
CountyDyer County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.12131, -89.36024
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic920 (2020)
Projected traffic1,472 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$704,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A251 over Branch built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A251 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A251 over Branch carry?

About 920 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A251 over Branch?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A251 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.