US Bridges

SR3276 over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.US74A · Structure no. 000000000210517

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,000
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR3276 over Swannanoa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR3276 over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 8,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,000 by 2040. The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR3276
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.US74A
RouteState Highway 3276
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.57735, -82.51967
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length203 ft (61.8 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,000 (1996)
Projected traffic16,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR3276 over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR3276 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 SR3276 over Swannanoa River carry?

About 8,000 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR3276 over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 203 ft (61.8 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SR3276 over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.