US Bridges

Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek

Fair

Haywood County, North Carolina · 0.2 Miles West of NPS Rou · Structure no. 5460110P0000000

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1
2009 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2 by 2029. The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCataloochee Entran
CrossesPalmer Creek
Location0.2 Miles West of NPS Rou
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62642, -83.11253
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.4 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 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$8,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cataloochee Entran over Palmer 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek carry?

About 1 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Cataloochee Entran over Palmer Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.