US Bridges

US64 over Cullasaja River

Poor

Macon County, North Carolina · .05 MI.E.JCT.SR1524 · Structure no. 000000001130104

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
429 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US64 over Cullasaja River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US64 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.

It carries about 7,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,600 by 2040. The structure is 429 ft (130.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS64
CrossesCullasaja River
Location.05 MI.E.JCT.SR1524
RouteU.S. Route 64
Coordinates35.16606, -83.32336
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length429 ft (130.7 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,300 (2022)
Projected traffic14,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US64 over Cullasaja River built?

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

What condition is US64 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US64 over Cullasaja River carry?

About 7,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US64 over Cullasaja River?

The structure is 429 ft (130.7 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US64 over Cullasaja River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.