US Bridges

Malana Trail over Malana Trail

PoorPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · Malana Trail · Structure no. 00000000000T015

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Malana Trail over Malana Trail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Malana Trail over Malana Trail in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6 by 2039. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 13 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMalana Trail
CrossesMalana Trail
LocationMalana Trail
RouteFederal Lands Road 15
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.33805, -83.79161
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2019)
Projected traffic6 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$195,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Malana Trail over Malana Trail built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Malana Trail over Malana Trail in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Malana Trail over Malana Trail carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Malana Trail over Malana Trail?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Malana Trail over Malana Trail?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.