US Bridges

US64 over Hiwassee River

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.E.JCT.SR1544 · Structure no. 000000000390038

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
221 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US64 over Hiwassee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US64 over Hiwassee River in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 7,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,200 by 2040. The structure is 221 ft (67.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS64
CrossesHiwassee River
Location0.2 MI.E.JCT.SR1544
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.05812, -83.94127
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length221 ft (67.3 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,100 (2022)
Projected traffic14,200 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 US64 over Hiwassee River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US64 over Hiwassee 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US64 over Hiwassee River carry?

About 7,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US64 over Hiwassee River?

The structure is 221 ft (67.3 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US64 over Hiwassee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.