US Bridges

Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek

FairPosted for load

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 1.4 MI S of SR 36- · Structure no. 86S23890007

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
234
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 5 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 234 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 374 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 1347 (sa 8602)
CrossesTilson Creek
Location1.4 MI S of SR 36-
RouteCounty Highway 1347
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.04732, -82.51006
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17.9 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic234 (2021)
Projected traffic374 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$133,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson 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 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek carry?

About 234 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1347 (sa 8602) over Tilson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.