US Bridges

SR2500 over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000000210041

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,800
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2500 over Swannanoa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2500 over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2040. The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2500
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.US70
RouteState Highway 2500
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.60825, -82.34052
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2018)
Projected traffic9,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR2500 over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2500 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR2500 over Swannanoa River carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR2500 over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 60 ft (18.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR2500 over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.