US Bridges

US74 Wbl over SR1159

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 3 MI.E.JCT.SR1140 · Structure no. 000000001730015

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 Wbl over SR1159 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US74 Wbl over SR1159 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 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 7,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,000 by 2040. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74 Wbl
CrossesSR1159
Location3 MI.E.JCT.SR1140
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.42125, -83.43882
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,000 (2022)
Projected traffic14,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US74 Wbl over SR1159 built?

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

What condition is US74 Wbl over SR1159 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US74 Wbl over SR1159 carry?

About 7,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US74 Wbl over SR1159?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US74 Wbl over SR1159?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.