US Bridges

SR1168 over Tuckasegee River

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.US19 · Structure no. 000000001730032

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
580 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1168 over Tuckasegee River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1168 over Tuckasegee River in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 580 ft (176.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1168
CrossesTuckasegee River
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.US19
RouteState Highway 1168
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.45218, -83.39297
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.9 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 15
Structure length580 ft (176.7 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2023)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1168 over Tuckasegee River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1168 over Tuckasegee River 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 SR1168 over Tuckasegee River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1168 over Tuckasegee River?

The structure is 580 ft (176.7 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR1168 over Tuckasegee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.