US Bridges

Nfa A491 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Tennessee · 2.3 Mi. S. of SR 19 · Structure no. 490A0400001

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A491 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A491 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A491
CrossesBranch
Location2.3 Mi. S. of SR 19
RouteCounty Highway 491
CountyLauderdale County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.74269, -89.70108
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2020)
Projected traffic320 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$236,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A491 over Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A491 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A491 over Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A491 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A491 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.