US Bridges

US19 74 over Wesser Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1180 · Structure no. 000000001730006

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19 74 over Wesser Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US19 74 over Wesser Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 88 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19 74
CrossesWesser Creek
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.SR1180
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.333, -83.58716
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2022)
Projected traffic9,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US19 74 over Wesser Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US19 74 over Wesser 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US19 74 over Wesser Creek carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US19 74 over Wesser Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US19 74 over Wesser Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.