US Bridges

NC143 over Snowbird Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1118 · Structure no. 000000000750013

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC143 over Snowbird Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC143 over Snowbird Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 20.5 mi (33 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC143
CrossesSnowbird Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1118
RouteState Highway 143
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.30933, -83.85519
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
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 inspectionJune 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating94.9 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.8 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2021)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed20.5 mi (33 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 NC143 over Snowbird Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC143 over Snowbird 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC143 over Snowbird Creek carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC143 over Snowbird Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.8 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NC143 over Snowbird Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.