US Bridges

Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek

FairPosted for load

Unicoi County, Tennessee · N of Ernestville near R36 · Structure no. 860A0550001

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
590
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 590 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 944 by 2042. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 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 A055
CrossesSouth Indian Creek
LocationN of Ernestville near R36
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.07757, -82.49658
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating12.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2020)
Projected traffic944 by 2042
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$128,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A055 over South Indian 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 A055 over South Indian Creek carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A055 over South Indian Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.