US Bridges

Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek

Fair

Monroe County, Tennessee · 2 Mi.N.Of Tellico Plains · Structure no. 62SR0680009

Built
1918
107 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
360
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek in Monroe County, Tennessee. It was built in 1918, so it is 107 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 360 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 576 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A859
CrossesSinkhole Creek
Location2 Mi.N.Of Tellico Plains
RouteCounty Highway 859
CountyMonroe County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.3914, -84.3222
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic360 (2020)
Projected traffic576 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$251,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek built?

It was built in 1918, making it 107 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A859 over Sinkhole 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek carry?

About 360 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A859 over Sinkhole Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.