US Bridges

US19B over Tatham Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .05 MI.N.JCT.SR1392 · Structure no. 000000000390081

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19B over Tatham Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US19B over Tatham Creek in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19B
CrossesTatham Creek
Location.05 MI.N.JCT.SR1392
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.20044, -83.81275
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable 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 length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2022)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Tatham Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19B over Tatham Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US19B over Tatham Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US19B over Tatham Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US19B over Tatham Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.