US Bridges

NC63 over Sandymush Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .7 MI.W.JCT.SR1600 · Structure no. 000000000210131

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC63 over Sandymush Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC63 over Sandymush Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC63
CrossesSandymush Creek
Location.7 MI.W.JCT.SR1600
RouteState Highway 63
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70148, -82.75942
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
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 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2022)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 NC63 over Sandymush Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC63 over Sandymush 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC63 over Sandymush Creek carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC63 over Sandymush Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NC63 over Sandymush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.