US Bridges

SR1638 over Whittier Branch

Poor

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.E.JCT.SR1634 · Structure no. 000000000210848

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1996 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1638 over Whittier Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR1638 over Whittier Branch in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1638
CrossesWhittier Branch
Location.3 MI.E.JCT.SR1634
RouteState Highway 1638
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70908, -82.6443
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1996)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks6%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SR1638 over Whittier Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1638 over Whittier Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR1638 over Whittier Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1638 over Whittier Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns SR1638 over Whittier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.