US Bridges

US19 23 over Southern Railroad

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .55 MI.S.JCT.SR1404 · Structure no. 000000000210123

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19 23 over Southern Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US19 23 over Southern Railroad in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 25,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,000 by 2040. The structure is 303 ft (92.3 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19 23
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location.55 MI.S.JCT.SR1404
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.5658, -82.62644
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length303 ft (92.3 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.3 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.1 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,000 (2022)
Projected traffic50,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US19 23 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19 23 over Southern Railroad 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US19 23 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 25,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US19 23 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 303 ft (92.3 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.3 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US19 23 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.