US Bridges

Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek

PoorPosted for load

Haywood County, North Carolina · 1.6 Miles from NPS Route · Structure no. 5460107P0000000

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
122 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2009 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 105 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2029. The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesOld Cataloochee En
CrossesCataloochee Creek
Location1.6 Miles from NPS Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 33
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.66703, -83.07269
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length122 ft (37.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2009)
Projected traffic110 by 2029
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$227,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee 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 Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Old Cataloochee En over Cataloochee Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.