US Bridges

US129 over Southern Railroad

Poor

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 70 FT.N.JCT.US19 74 129 · Structure no. 000000000390013

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US129 over Southern Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US129 over Southern Railroad in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 62 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2040. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS129
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location70 FT.N.JCT.US19 74 129
RouteU.S. Route 129
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.24843, -83.70277
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2022)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 US129 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US129 over Southern Railroad 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US129 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US129 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US129 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.