US Bridges

Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Smith County, Tennessee · 4.2 MI E JCT SR85&SR263 · Structure no. 800A0710001

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek in Smith County, Tennessee. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 50 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 80 by 2041. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A071
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location4.2 MI E JCT SR85&SR263
RouteCounty Highway 71
CountySmith County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.31835, -85.86665
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic80 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 A071 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A071 over Buffalo 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A071 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.