US Bridges

Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.NC194 · Structure no. 000000000110178

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
1998 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBalsam Lane
CrossesShawneehaw Creek
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.NC194
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.16599, -81.86318
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating65.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1998)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Balsam Lane over Shawneehaw Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.