US Bridges

NC141 over Valley River

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1521 · Structure no. 000000000390005

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC141 over Valley River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC141 over Valley River in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,800 by 2040. The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC141
CrossesValley River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1521
RouteState Highway 141
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.17009, -83.92299
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length158 ft (48.1 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2022)
Projected traffic8,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 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 NC141 over Valley River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC141 over Valley 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC141 over Valley River carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC141 over Valley River?

The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NC141 over Valley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.