US Bridges

Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River

FairPosted for load

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .04 Mi.S.Jct.Blue Ridge · Structure no. 000000000210748

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1994 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesBlack Mountain Ave
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.04 Mi.S.Jct.Blue Ridge
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61283, -82.32005
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1994)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Black Mountain Ave 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Black Mountain Ave over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.