US Bridges

NC281 over Gladie Creek

Poor

Jackson County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1754 · Structure no. 000000000990385

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC281 over Gladie Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC281 over Gladie Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC281
CrossesGladie Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1754
RouteState Highway 281
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26792, -83.04175
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2021)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 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 Gladie Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC281 over Gladie 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NC281 over Gladie Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC281 over Gladie Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC281 over Gladie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.