US Bridges

Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · S. of SR 36 · Structure no. 860A0530001

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
160
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 160 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A053
CrossesSpivey Creek
LocationS. of SR 36
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.04172, -82.46623
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2020)
Projected traffic256 by 2040
Trucks5%
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$125,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A053 over Spivey 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 A053 over Spivey Creek carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A053 over Spivey Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.