US Bridges

SR3431 over Pond Branch

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.NC112 · Structure no. 000000000210364

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR3431 over Pond Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR3431 over Pond Branch in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR3431
CrossesPond Branch
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.NC112
RouteState Highway 3431
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.53333, -82.61953
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1995)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
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 SR3431 over Pond Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR3431 over Pond Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR3431 over Pond Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1995 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR3431 over Pond Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR3431 over Pond Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.