US Bridges

Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek

PoorPosted for load

Fentress County, Tennessee · 5MI West of US 127 · Structure no. 250A1980001

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek in Fentress County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 85 years old, older 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 32 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A198
CrossesRock Castle Creek
Location5MI West of US 127
RouteCounty Highway 198
CountyFentress County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.37732, -84.99676
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating6.4 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2020)
Projected traffic32 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$443,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A198 over Rock Castle Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.