When new Dixie Highway (U.S. 41) was proposed through Haletown, this bridge was built as a toll bridge and dedicated to the county's veterans on the new highway alignment (the old Dixie Highway is still State Highway 28 through Ketner's Gap and down to Suck Creek). When TVA impounded Nickajack Lake, all the trusses were raised by hydralic lift 21 feet higher to allow for barge traffic on the lake's new elevated level. Although the Parker spans resemble K-Parkers, they are not K-spans. In the 1920's and 30's, Tennessee utilized the K-span concept to strengthen the state's longer Parker spans, but for financial reasons, did not incorporate the entire design into the superstructures. They are actually called K-hybrids.
Facts
Overview
2 Parker Camelback through trusses, and 2 Warren through trusses with Polygonal top chords, all riveted, over Nickajack Lake (Tennessee River)
Deck condition rating: Fair(5 out of 9)
Superstructure condition rating: Poor(4 out of 9)
Substructure condition rating: Fair(5 out of 9)
Appraisal: Structurally deficient
Sufficiency rating: 25.5 (out of 100)