US Bridges

NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake

Fair

Jackson County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1762 · Structure no. 000000000990083

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 20.5 mi (33 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC281
CrossesTanasee Creek Lake
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1762
RouteState Highway 281
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.21569, -82.98675
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2022)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed20.5 mi (33 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 Tanasee Creek Lake built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake 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 Tanasee Creek Lake carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns NC281 over Tanasee Creek Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.