US Bridges

Nfa A438 over I40

Fair

Putnam County, Tennessee · 1 MI from US70 · Structure no. 71I00400049

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
208 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A438 over I40 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A438 over I40 in Putnam County, Tennessee. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 288 by 2042. The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A438
CrossesI40
Location1 MI from US70
RouteCounty Highway 438
CountyPutnam County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.13588, -85.32497
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.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length208 ft (63.4 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2020)
Projected traffic288 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$230,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A438 over I40 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A438 over I40 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 A438 over I40 carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A438 over I40?

The structure is 208 ft (63.4 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A438 over I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.