US Bridges

Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Rhododendron TR · Structure no. 00000000000T013

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 21 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRhododendron Trail
CrossesSoco Creek
LocationRhododendron TR
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.47166, -83.24699
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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; 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2019)
Projected traffic180 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$105,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rhododendron Trail over Soco 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 Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Rhododendron Trail over Soco Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.