US Bridges

Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Elizabeth Long RD · Structure no. 00000000000T011

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 36 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElizabeth Long RD
CrossesBig Witch Creek
LocationElizabeth Long RD
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.49294, -83.24117
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2019)
Projected traffic36 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$15,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch 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 Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Elizabeth Long RD over Big Witch Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.