US Bridges

Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek

PoorPosted for load

Jackson County, North Carolina · 0.01MI.W.JCT.UNIVER.DR. · Structure no. 000000000990057

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,300
2015 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 73 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesOld Forest Hill RD
CrossesCullowhee Creek
Location0.01MI.W.JCT.UNIVER.DR.
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates35.3026, -83.18338
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating10.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2015)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.