US Bridges

Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · US 411 and Old Number 4 · Structure no. 00000000000T048

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 24 by 2039. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Number 4
CrossesUnknown Creek
LocationUS 411 and Old Number 4
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.46694, -83.32306
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 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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2019)
Projected traffic24 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Number 4 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 Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Old Number 4 over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.