US Bridges

US129 over Santeetlah Lake

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · 25 FT.N.JCT.SR1144 · Structure no. 000000000750010

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
479 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US129 over Santeetlah Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US129 over Santeetlah Lake in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 57 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2040. The structure is 479 ft (146 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS129
CrossesSanteetlah Lake
Location25 FT.N.JCT.SR1144
RouteU.S. Route 129
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.36428, -83.83628
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.
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 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 rating84 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length479 ft (146 m)
Longest span118 ft (35.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2021)
Projected traffic5,400 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 US129 over Santeetlah Lake built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is US129 over Santeetlah 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 US129 over Santeetlah Lake carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US129 over Santeetlah Lake?

The structure is 479 ft (146 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (35.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US129 over Santeetlah Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.