US Bridges

East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek

FairPosted for load

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .03MI.W.JCT.FLAT Creek RD · Structure no. 000000000210763

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
1994 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesEast Cotton Avenue
CrossesFlat Creek
Location.03MI.W.JCT.FLAT Creek RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62798, -82.31645
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 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 closed0.6 mi (1 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 East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek 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 East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek carry?

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

How long is East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns East Cotton Avenue over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.