US Bridges

NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1121 · Structure no. 000000001730009

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
691 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,250
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 2,250 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,500 by 2040. The structure is 691 ft (210.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesNC28 Sbl
CrossesNantahala R.& Gsmr
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1121
RouteState Highway 28
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3726, -83.56514
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
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 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length691 ft (210.6 m)
Longest span232 ft (70.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,250 (2021)
Projected traffic4,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
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 NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr 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 NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr carry?

About 2,250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr?

The structure is 691 ft (210.6 m) long with a longest span of 232 ft (70.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NC28 Sbl over Nantahala R.& Gsmr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.