US Bridges

US19B over Hiwassee Lake

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 75 FT.N.JCT.SR1408 · Structure no. 000000000390014

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
240 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19B over Hiwassee Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US19B over Hiwassee Lake in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 64 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 10,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,000 by 2040. The structure is 240 ft (73.1 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19B
CrossesHiwassee Lake
Location75 FT.N.JCT.SR1408
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.08537, -84.03706
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2022)
Projected traffic20,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US19B over Hiwassee Lake built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US19B over Hiwassee Lake 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US19B over Hiwassee Lake carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US19B over Hiwassee Lake?

The structure is 240 ft (73.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US19B over Hiwassee Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.