US Bridges

NC209 over Cove Creek

PoorPosted for load

Haywood County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1334 · Structure no. 000000000870128

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC209 over Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC209 over Cove Creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 550 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2040. The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC209
CrossesCove Creek
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1334
RouteState Highway 209
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.6757, -82.94232
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2021)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2040
Trucks7%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC209 over Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC209 over Cove Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does NC209 over Cove Creek carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC209 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NC209 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.