Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek
PoorPosted for loadUnicoi County, Tennessee · Near Ernestville · Structure no. 860A0550007
- Built
- 1978
- 47 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 24 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 120
- 2020 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A055 over Little Higgins 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 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: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 120 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 3 Serious | Loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek built?
It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.
What condition is Nfa A055 over Little Higgins 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 A055 over Little Higgins Creek carry?
About 120 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek?
The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.
Who owns Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.