US Bridges

Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch

Fair

Union County, Tennessee · 1.5 M NE of Sharps Chapel · Structure no. 87F00020001

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
827
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch is a steel culvert carrying Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch in Union County, Tennessee. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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.

It carries about 827 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,344 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 1276 (sa 8712)
CrossesBranch
Location1.5 M NE of Sharps Chapel
RouteCounty Highway 1276
CountyUnion County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.36237, -83.75457
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic827 (2021)
Projected traffic1,344 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch 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 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch carry?

About 827 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.