US Bridges

US129 over Cheoah River

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1247 · Structure no. 000000000750033

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
850
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US129 over Cheoah River is a concrete tee beam carrying US129 over Cheoah River in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 850 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,700 by 2040. The structure is 200 ft (60.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS129
CrossesCheoah River
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1247
RouteU.S. Route 129
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.44444, -83.93802
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length200 ft (60.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic850 (2021)
Projected traffic1,700 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 US129 over Cheoah River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US129 over Cheoah River 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 Cheoah River carry?

About 850 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US129 over Cheoah River?

The structure is 200 ft (60.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US129 over Cheoah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.