US Bridges

US64 over French Broad River

Fair

Henderson County, North Carolina · .03 MI.W.JCT.SR1171 · Structure no. 000000000890115

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
238 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US64 over French Broad River is a concrete tee beam carrying US64 over French Broad River in Henderson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2040. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS64
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location.03 MI.W.JCT.SR1171
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyHenderson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.32805, -82.57531
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2021)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US64 over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is US64 over French Broad River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US64 over French Broad River carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US64 over French Broad River?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US64 over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.