US Bridges

NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1758 · Structure no. 000000000990056

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC281
CrossesWolf Lake Spillway
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1758
RouteState Highway 281
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.22303, -82.99899
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length115 ft (35 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2022)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway?

The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns NC281 over Wolf Lake Spillway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.