US Bridges

NC28 over Twentymile Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 2.9 MI.S.JCT.US129 · Structure no. 000000001730017

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1947
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
700
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC28 over Twentymile Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC28 over Twentymile Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1947, so it is 95 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesNC28
CrossesTwentymile Creek
Location2.9 MI.S.JCT.US129
RouteState Highway 28
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.46695, -83.87908
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2016)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC28 over Twentymile Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1947.

What condition is NC28 over Twentymile 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 NC28 over Twentymile Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC28 over Twentymile Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC28 over Twentymile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.