US Bridges

Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch

Fair

Giles County, Tennessee · 2.2 M SW of Minor Hill · Structure no. 280A4500001

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch in Giles County, Tennessee. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A450
CrossesPuncheon Branch
Location2.2 M SW of Minor Hill
RouteCounty Highway 450
CountyGiles County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.04764, -87.19756
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic160 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$199,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A450 over Puncheon 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A450 over Puncheon Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.