US Bridges

SR1670 over Messer Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .4 MI.E.JCT.SR1531 · Structure no. 000000000390001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1670 over Messer Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR1670 over Messer Branch in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 5 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1670
CrossesMesser Branch
Location.4 MI.E.JCT.SR1531
RouteState Highway 1670
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.09245, -83.95578
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 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 traffic450 (2022)
Projected traffic900 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1670 over Messer Branch built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1670 over Messer Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR1670 over Messer Branch carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1670 over Messer Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns SR1670 over Messer Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.