US Bridges

SR1679 over Cullasaja River

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.S.JCT.US64 · Structure no. 000000001130055

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1679 over Cullasaja River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1679 over Cullasaja River in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1679
CrossesCullasaja River
Location0.3 MI.S.JCT.US64
RouteState Highway 1679
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.12524, -83.28486
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1679 over Cullasaja River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1679 over Cullasaja River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1679 over Cullasaja River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1679 over Cullasaja River?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1679 over Cullasaja River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.