US Bridges

NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · National Forest · Structure no. 081106000003086

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex is a steel truss - thru carrying NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 1178
CrossesChattooga River (complex
LocationNational Forest
RouteFederal Lands Road 1178
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.01588, -83.12653
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex 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 2022.

How much traffic does NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex?

The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 1178 over Chattooga River (complex?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.