US Bridges

Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Bunches Creek Road · Structure no. 00000000000T002

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12 by 2039. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSteve Watty Road
CrossesBunches Creek
LocationBunches Creek Road
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55993, -83.24798
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic12 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerIndian Tribal Government
Maintained byIndian Tribal Government
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$150,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Steve Watty Road over Bunches 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Steve Watty Road over Bunches Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.