US Bridges

US19E over Cooper Branch

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · .5 MI.S.JCT.SR1169 · Structure no. 000000000110059

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19E over Cooper Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US19E over Cooper Branch in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 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.

It carries about 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19E
CrossesCooper Branch
Location.5 MI.S.JCT.SR1169
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14425, -81.96649
Functional classRural Major 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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2021)
Projected traffic5,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US19E over Cooper Branch built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19E over Cooper 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US19E over Cooper Branch carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US19E over Cooper Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US19E over Cooper Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.