US Bridges

NC28 over Sawyer Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1236 · Structure no. 000000000750138

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC28 over Sawyer Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC28 over Sawyer Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 25.5 mi (41 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC28
CrossesSawyer Creek
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1236
RouteState Highway 28
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39492, -83.7172
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2021)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed25.5 mi (41 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 NC28 over Sawyer Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC28 over Sawyer 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 NC28 over Sawyer Creek carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC28 over Sawyer Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC28 over Sawyer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.