US Bridges

NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 4.9 Mi. from JCT W/420 · Structure no. 081109000003156

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Other
Wood or Timber
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek is a wood or timber other carrying NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 420-1
CrossesTipton Creek
Location4.9 Mi. from JCT W/420
RouteFederal Lands Road 420-1
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.2577, -84.0743
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 420-1 over Tipton 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 420-1 over Tipton Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.