US Bridges

University Way over Cullowhee Creek

PoorPosted for load

Jackson County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1325 · Structure no. 000000000990325

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2017 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

University Way over Cullowhee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying University Way over Cullowhee Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2040. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUniversity Way
CrossesCullowhee Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1325
Coordinates35.30753, -83.18632
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2017)
Projected traffic5,600 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 University Way over Cullowhee Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Way 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does University Way over Cullowhee Creek carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is University Way over Cullowhee Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns University Way over Cullowhee Creek?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.