US Bridges

SR1620 over Cullasaja River

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.US64 NC28 · Structure no. 000000001130057

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
160
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1620 over Cullasaja River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1620 over Cullasaja River in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 160 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1620
CrossesCullasaja River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.US64 NC28
RouteState Highway 1620
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.07623, -83.24898
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.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2015)
Projected traffic320 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR1620 over Cullasaja River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1620 over Cullasaja 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 SR1620 over Cullasaja River carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1620 over Cullasaja River?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1620 over Cullasaja River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.