US Bridges

US74A over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .05 MI.E.JCT.NC81 · Structure no. 000000000210032

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
112 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74A over Swannanoa River is a concrete tee beam carrying US74A over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 99 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 5 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74A
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.05 MI.E.JCT.NC81
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.57407, -82.50228
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US74A over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is US74A over Swannanoa River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US74A over Swannanoa River carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US74A over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US74A over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.