US Bridges

NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek

Poor

Avery County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1342 · Structure no. 000000000110162

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,200 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC184
CrossesShawneehaw Creek
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1342
RouteState Highway 184
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.15836, -81.87026
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating82.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2021)
Projected traffic15,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns NC184 over Shawneehaw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.