US Bridges

Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Unicoi County, Tennessee · S of SR 36 · Structure no. 860A0320001

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

CarriesNfa A032
CrossesSpivey Creek
LocationS of SR 36
RouteCounty Highway 32
Coordinates36.03862, -82.49155
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic16 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$275,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A032 over Spivey Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.