US Bridges

US 64 over Hiwassee River

Good

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .63MI.W.JCT.SR1548 · Structure no. 000000000390272

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
683 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 64 over Hiwassee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 64 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 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 9,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,000 by 2040. The structure is 683 ft (208.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 64
CrossesHiwassee River
Location.63MI.W.JCT.SR1548
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.06725, -83.97325
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length683 ft (208.1 m)
Longest span186 ft (56.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,500 (2021)
Projected traffic19,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 64 over Hiwassee River built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 64 over Hiwassee River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 64 over Hiwassee River carry?

About 9,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 64 over Hiwassee River?

The structure is 683 ft (208.1 m) long with a longest span of 186 ft (56.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 64 over Hiwassee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.