US Bridges

NC731 over Cheek Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. E. Jct. SR1563 · Structure no. 000000001230052

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC731 over Cheek Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC731 over Cheek Creek in Montgomery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 70 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 6 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesNC731
CrossesCheek Creek
Location0.3 Mi. E. Jct. SR1563
RouteState Highway 731
CountyMontgomery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.21065, -79.84663
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2021)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC731 over Cheek Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is NC731 over Cheek Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does NC731 over Cheek Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC731 over Cheek Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns NC731 over Cheek Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.