US Bridges

Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · Near Ernestville · Structure no. 860A0550009

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A055
CrossesLittle Higgins Creek
LocationNear Ernestville
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.08572, -82.51265
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2020)
Projected traffic192 by 2041
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$215,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

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 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 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 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A055 over Little Higgins Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.