US Bridges

NC175 over Chatuge Lake

Fair

Clay County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1353 · Structure no. 000000000430011

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC175 over Chatuge Lake is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC175 over Chatuge Lake in Clay County, North Carolina. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,600 by 2040. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC175
CrossesChatuge Lake
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1353
RouteState Highway 175
CountyClay County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.02403, -83.73094
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2019)
Projected traffic4,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 NC175 over Chatuge Lake built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC175 over Chatuge Lake 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 2023.

How much traffic does NC175 over Chatuge Lake carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC175 over Chatuge Lake?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NC175 over Chatuge Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.