US Bridges

Nfa A129 over Martin Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · .02MI S. Dry Branch Road · Structure no. 860A1290001

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
220
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A129 over Martin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa A129 over Martin Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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.

It carries about 220 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 352 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A129
CrossesMartin Creek
Location.02MI S. Dry Branch Road
RouteCounty Highway 129
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.12967, -82.40773
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating33.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2020)
Projected traffic352 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$193,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A129 over Martin Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A129 over Martin 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 A129 over Martin Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A129 over Martin Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A129 over Martin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.