US Bridges

NC143 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · 20 FT.E.JCT.SR1277 · Structure no. 000000000750132

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC143 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC143 over Sweetwater Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,400 by 2040. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC143
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location20 FT.E.JCT.SR1277
RouteState Highway 143
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.32366, -83.791
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length53 ft (16.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2021)
Projected traffic10,400 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 NC143 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC143 over Sweetwater 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NC143 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is NC143 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC143 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.