US Bridges

Private Drive over Unknown Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Private Drive · Structure no. 00000000000T046

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Private Drive over Unknown Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Private Drive over Unknown 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 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 4 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2039. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrivate Drive
CrossesUnknown Creek
LocationPrivate Drive
RouteFederal Lands Road 46
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.46836, -83.38687
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4 (2019)
Projected traffic5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Private Drive over Unknown Creek built?

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

What condition is Private Drive over Unknown 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 Private Drive over Unknown Creek carry?

About 4 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Private Drive over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Private Drive over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.