US Bridges

NFSR 62 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Graham County, North Carolina · 3.0 Mi. from Nc 129 · Structure no. 081102000003040

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1980 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 62 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying NFSR 62 over Bear Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 62
CrossesBear Creek
Location3.0 Mi. from Nc 129
RouteFederal Lands Road 62.3
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.42081, -83.94948
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating17.5 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1980)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 62 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 62 over Bear 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 62 over Bear Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is NFSR 62 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 62 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.