US Bridges

SR1401 over Nantahala River

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1483 · Structure no. 000000001130024

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1401 over Nantahala River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1401 over Nantahala River in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1401
CrossesNantahala River
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1483
RouteState Highway 1401
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.22207, -83.65998
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2021)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 SR1401 over Nantahala River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1401 over Nantahala River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1401 over Nantahala River carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1401 over Nantahala River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR1401 over Nantahala River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.