US Bridges

Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek

Fair

McMinn County, Tennessee · .5MI North of SR163 · Structure no. 540A4210001

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek in McMinn County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 65 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 96 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A421
CrossesOostanula Creek
Location.5MI North of SR163
RouteCounty Highway 421
CountyMcMinn County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.31597, -84.71322
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.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2020)
Projected traffic96 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$359,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A421 over Oostanula Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.