US Bridges

Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek

FairPosted for load

Unicoi County, Tennessee · 1.9 M SW JCT SR81&SR352 · Structure no. 86SR0810003

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
480
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 480 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 811 by 2041. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 54.1 mi (87 km).

Location

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CarriesNfa 2559
CrossesSams Creek
Location1.9 M SW JCT SR81&SR352
RouteCounty Highway 2559
CountyUnicoi County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.0144, -82.5572
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic480 (2021)
Projected traffic811 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed54.1 mi (87 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 with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$163,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 2559 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 2559 over Sams Creek carry?

About 480 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 2559 over Sams Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.