US Bridges

NC294 over Lake Cherokee

Good

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .7 MI.E.JCT.SR1130 · Structure no. 000000000390050

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC294 over Lake Cherokee is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC294 over Lake Cherokee in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2040. The structure is 205 ft (62.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC294
CrossesLake Cherokee
Location.7 MI.E.JCT.SR1130
RouteState Highway 294
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.05804, -84.16905
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length205 ft (62.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2019)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 NC294 over Lake Cherokee built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC294 over Lake Cherokee in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2022.

How much traffic does NC294 over Lake Cherokee carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC294 over Lake Cherokee?

The structure is 205 ft (62.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns NC294 over Lake Cherokee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.