US Bridges

Nfa A286 over Buffalo River

FairPosted for load

Humphreys County, Tennessee · 1.5 M. S. of I40. · Structure no. 430A2860001

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
227 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A286 over Buffalo River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A286 over Buffalo River in Humphreys County, Tennessee. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2042. The structure is 227 ft (69.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesNfa A286
CrossesBuffalo River
Location1.5 M. S. of I40.
RouteCounty Highway 286
Coordinates35.8671, -87.81927
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length227 ft (69.2 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic80 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$1.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A286 over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A286 over Buffalo River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A286 over Buffalo River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A286 over Buffalo River?

The structure is 227 ft (69.2 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A286 over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.