US Bridges

Nfa A449 over Ford Branch

Good

Macon County, Tennessee · 3.3 M SW of Lafayette · Structure no. 560A4490003

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A449 over Ford Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A449 over Ford Branch in Macon County, Tennessee. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A449
CrossesFord Branch
Location3.3 M SW of Lafayette
RouteCounty Highway 449
CountyMacon County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.4837, -86.06198
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2020)
Projected traffic240 by 2042
Trucks14%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A449 over Ford Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A449 over Ford Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A449 over Ford Branch carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A449 over Ford Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A449 over Ford Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.