US Bridges

SR1310 over Nantahala River

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · .6 MI.S.JCT.US19 74 · Structure no. 000000001130227

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1310 over Nantahala River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1310 over Nantahala River in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 75 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

CarriesSR1310
CrossesNantahala River
Location.6 MI.S.JCT.US19 74
RouteState Highway 1310
Coordinates35.26913, -83.67471
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 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 SR1310 over Nantahala River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SR1310 over Nantahala 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR1310 over Nantahala River carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1310 over Nantahala River?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1310 over Nantahala River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.