US Bridges

Nfa A038 over Branch

Fair

Houston County, Tennessee · 1 M. N. Tenn. Ridge. · Structure no. 420A0380001

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
190
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A038 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A038 over Branch in Houston County, Tennessee. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 5 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 190 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 304 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A038
CrossesBranch
Location1 M. N. Tenn. Ridge.
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyHouston County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.32433, -87.7731
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2020)
Projected traffic304 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$308,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A038 over Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A038 over 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A038 over Branch carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A038 over Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A038 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.