US Bridges

Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek

Fair

Unicoi County, Tennessee · In Flag Pond · Structure no. 86S25310001

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
215
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams 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 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 215 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 352 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 2557 (sa 8601)
CrossesSams Creek
LocationIn Flag Pond
RouteCounty Highway 2557
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.01433, -82.55824
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic215 (2021)
Projected traffic352 by 2040
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$139,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek built?

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

What condition is Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams 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 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek carry?

About 215 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 2557 (sa 8601) over Sams Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.