US Bridges

Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch

Fair

Weakley County, Tennessee · 2.2 MI E of SR43 · Structure no. 920A0480003

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch in Weakley County, Tennessee. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 180 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 288 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNfa A048
CrossesVowell Branch
Location2.2 MI E of SR43
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyWeakley County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.39803, -88.81017
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2020)
Projected traffic288 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$76,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nfa A048 over Vowell 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Nfa A048 over Vowell Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.