US Bridges

Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Tennessee · 5 M NE of Wartburg · Structure no. 650A2530003

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
91 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch in Morgan County, Tennessee. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 64 by 2041. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A253
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location5 M NE of Wartburg
RouteCounty Highway 253
CountyMorgan County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.16813, -84.54725
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic64 by 2041
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A253 over Laurel 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A253 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.