US Bridges

Nfa D781 over Sale Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Tennessee · .2 MI West of US 27 · Structure no. 330D7810001

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
230
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa D781 over Sale Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa D781 over Sale Creek in Hamilton County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 230 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 368 by 2042. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa D781
CrossesSale Creek
Location.2 MI West of US 27
RouteCounty Highway 781
CountyHamilton County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.4266, -85.09015
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2020)
Projected traffic368 by 2042
Trucks2%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa D781 over Sale Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa D781 over Sale 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa D781 over Sale Creek carry?

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

How long is Nfa D781 over Sale Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa D781 over Sale Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.