CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The opening of the Red River Trail of the Clarksville Greenway this year has provided an unexpected benefit: the ability for passersby to get a look at the condition underneath the nearly 70-year-old Kraft Street Bridge. Recently, visitors have noticed chipping concrete around rusted beams, and a crack running down one of the support pillars.
Clarksville Now visited the site to inspect the structure, and reached out the Tennessee Department of Transportation, which owns and maintains the bridge, to see if they have concerns about its condition. Their assessment: The bridge is safe, but is due for replacement soon.
Condition of Kraft Street Bridge
The Kraft Street Bridge was built back in 1956. The date of its last inspection was Sept. 9, 2024, according to TDOT. The bridge is inspected every 24 months.
When grading a bridge’s condition, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TODT) examines the deck, superstructure, substructure and culvert, according to their website. If the lowest rating is greater than or equal to 7, the bridge is classified as “good.” If it is rated 5 or 6, the bridge is classified as “fair.” If it is less than or equal to 4, the classification is “poor.”…