US Bridges

Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River

Fair

Johnson County, Tennessee · N of US321-ON Lake · Structure no. 46S24610001

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
461 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
533
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River in Johnson County, Tennessee. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 533 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 853 by 2042. The structure is 461 ft (140.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesNfa 1076 (sa 4601)
CrossesWatauga River
LocationN of US321-ON Lake
RouteCounty Highway 1076
CountyJohnson County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.3142, -81.94668
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length461 ft (140.5 m)
Longest span174 ft (53 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic533 (2021)
Projected traffic853 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River carry?

About 533 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River?

The structure is 461 ft (140.5 m) long with a longest span of 174 ft (53 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1076 (sa 4601) over Watauga River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.