US Bridges

SR1644 over Little Tennessee River

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.US23 441 · Structure no. 000000001130046

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
1997 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1644 over Little Tennessee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1644 over Little Tennessee River in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1644
CrossesLittle Tennessee River
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.US23 441
RouteState Highway 1644
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.09067, -83.38069
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (1997)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1644 over Little Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1644 over Little Tennessee 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR1644 over Little Tennessee River carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1644 over Little Tennessee River?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1644 over Little Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.