US Bridges

Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek

Poor

McMinn County, Tennessee · .3MI West of SR33 · Structure no. 540A3470001

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
140
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek in McMinn County, Tennessee. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 140 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 224 by 2042. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A347
CrossesChestuee Creek
Location.3MI West of SR33
RouteCounty Highway 347
CountyMcMinn County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.40953, -84.50508
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (2020)
Projected traffic224 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$556,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A347 over Chestuee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.