SR3556 over French Broad River
PoorBuncombe County, North Carolina · .4 MI.E.JCT.I240 · Structure no. 000000000210521
- Built
- 1951
- 74 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 420 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 14,500
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SR3556 over French Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR3556 over French Broad River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SR3556 over French Broad River built?
It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.
What condition is SR3556 over French Broad River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.
How much traffic does SR3556 over French Broad River carry?
About 14,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is SR3556 over French Broad River?
The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.
Who owns SR3556 over French Broad River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.