US Bridges

Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch

FairPosted for load

Union County, Tennessee · 1.8 M NE of Sharps Chapel · Structure no. 87F00020003

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
827
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch in Union County, Tennessee. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 827 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,613 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa 1276 (sa 8712)
CrossesBranch
Location1.8 M NE of Sharps Chapel
RouteCounty Highway 1276
CountyUnion County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.3648, -83.7546
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic827 (2021)
Projected traffic1,613 by 2041
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$136,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1940, making it 85 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 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa 1276 (sa 8712) over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.