US Bridges

Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Copperhead Road · Structure no. 00000000000T007

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCopperhead Road
CrossesCopperhead Road
LocationCopperhead Road
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.48522, -83.18912
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic12 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
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$23,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road built?

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

What condition is Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road 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 Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Copperhead Road over Copperhead Road?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.