US Bridges

Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch

Poor

Haywood County, North Carolina · 0.3 Miles from Nc Route 2 · Structure no. 5460081P0000000

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2009 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2 by 2029. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Creek Entrance
CrossesChestnut Branch
Location0.3 Miles from Nc Route 2
RouteFederal Lands Road 103
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.75936, -83.10597
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1 (2009)
Projected traffic2 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch 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 Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Big Creek Entrance over Chestnut Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.