US Bridges

NC9 over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .06 MI.N.JCT.I-40 · Structure no. 000000000210209

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC9 over Swannanoa River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC9 over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,200 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC9
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.06 MI.N.JCT.I-40
RouteState Highway 9
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61332, -82.31884
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2020)
Projected traffic16,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC9 over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC9 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 2025.

How much traffic does NC9 over Swannanoa River carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC9 over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m).

Who owns NC9 over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.