US Bridges

SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek

Poor

Haywood County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1854 · Structure no. 000000000870375

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
270
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 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.

It carries about 270 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 540 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1856
CrossesDutch Cove Creek
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.SR1854
RouteState Highway 1856
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.51736, -82.80936
Functional classUrban Local

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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (2016)
Projected traffic540 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is SR1856 over Dutch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SR1856 over Dutch Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.