US Bridges

SR3495 over French Broad River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .04 MI.W.JCT.SR3496 · Structure no. 000000000210046

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
300 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR3495 over French Broad River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR3495 over French Broad River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2040. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR3495
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location.04 MI.W.JCT.SR3496
RouteState Highway 3495
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.45516, -82.54729
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.9 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2016)
Projected traffic3,600 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 SR3495 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR3495 over French Broad 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR3495 over French Broad River carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR3495 over French Broad River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR3495 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.