US Bridges

US64 over Hiwassee River

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1558 · Structure no. 000000000390268

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
729 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US64 over Hiwassee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US64 over Hiwassee River in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 729 ft (222.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS64
CrossesHiwassee River
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1558
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.07856, -84.02594
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length729 ft (222.2 m)
Longest span330 ft (100.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2022)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US64 over Hiwassee River built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 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 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US64 over Hiwassee River?

The structure is 729 ft (222.2 m) long with a longest span of 330 ft (100.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US64 over Hiwassee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.