US Bridges

NC280 Wbl over French Broad River

Good

Henderson County, North Carolina · .7 MI.E.JCT.SR1354 · Structure no. 000000000890362

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
688 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
11,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC280 Wbl over French Broad River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC280 Wbl over French Broad River in Henderson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 11,250 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,500 by 2040. The structure is 688 ft (209.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesNC280 Wbl
CrossesFrench Broad River
Location.7 MI.E.JCT.SR1354
RouteState Highway 280
Coordinates35.42059, -82.54133
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length688 ft (209.7 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,250 (2022)
Projected traffic22,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC280 Wbl over French Broad River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC280 Wbl over French Broad River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2021.

How much traffic does NC280 Wbl over French Broad River carry?

About 11,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC280 Wbl over French Broad River?

The structure is 688 ft (209.7 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns NC280 Wbl over French Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.