US Bridges

Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Lincoln County, Tennessee · 5 M. E. Kelso. · Structure no. 52019730007

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
96
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River in Lincoln County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 96 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 704 by 2040. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesNfa 1973 (sa 5217)
CrossesElk River
Location5 M. E. Kelso.
RouteCounty Highway 1973
CountyLincoln County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.13851, -86.38344
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating12.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic96 (2021)
Projected traffic704 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$877,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River carry?

About 96 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1973 (sa 5217) over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.