US Bridges

Nfa A478 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Tennessee · 5.4 MI NE JCT SR197&SR198 · Structure no. 570A4780001

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
520
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A478 over Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A478 over Branch in Madison County, Tennessee. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 520 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 832 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A478
CrossesBranch
Location5.4 MI NE JCT SR197&SR198
RouteCounty Highway 478
CountyMadison County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.64695, -88.61134
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic520 (2020)
Projected traffic832 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$125,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A478 over Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A478 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A478 over Branch carry?

About 520 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A478 over Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A478 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.