US Bridges

US70 over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .15 MI.E.JCT.SR2724 · Structure no. 000000000210258

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Swannanoa River is a concrete tee beam carrying US70 over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 78 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2040. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.15 MI.E.JCT.SR2724
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.60317, -82.36514
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2016)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US70 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 US70 over Swannanoa River carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.