US Bridges

Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000000210762

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1992 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River is a steel culvert carrying Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesHemphill Road
CrossesSwannanoa River
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.US70
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61938, -82.31191
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1992)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hemphill Road 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 Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Hemphill Road over Swannanoa River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.