US Bridges

SR1634 over Whittier Branch

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1638 · Structure no. 000000000210745

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
790
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1634 over Whittier Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR1634 over Whittier Branch in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 790 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,580 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1634
CrossesWhittier Branch
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1638
RouteState Highway 1634
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70424, -82.64642
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic790 (2022)
Projected traffic1,580 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1634 over Whittier Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1634 over Whittier 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR1634 over Whittier Branch carry?

About 790 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1634 over Whittier Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR1634 over Whittier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.