US Bridges

SR3685 over French Broad River

Good

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.09 Mi. E. Jct. NC191 · Structure no. 000000000210924

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
610 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR3685 over French Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR3685 over French Broad River in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR3685
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location0.09 Mi. E. Jct. NC191
RouteState Highway 3658
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.50275, -82.59239
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.9 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length610 ft (185.9 m)
Longest span240 ft (73.1 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.7 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR3685 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR3685 over French Broad River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR3685 over French Broad River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR3685 over French Broad River?

The structure is 610 ft (185.9 m) long with a longest span of 240 ft (73.1 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns SR3685 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.