US Bridges

US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · .47 MI.S.JCT.US19 · Structure no. 000000001730163

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
515 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 8,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,800 by 2040. The structure is 515 ft (156.9 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS441
CrossesOconaluftee River Gov.Rd
Location.47 MI.S.JCT.US19
RouteU.S. Route 441
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.46904, -83.32482
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating77.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length515 ft (156.9 m)
Longest span148 ft (45.1 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.7 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,900 (2022)
Projected traffic17,800 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd 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 US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd carry?

About 8,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd?

The structure is 515 ft (156.9 m) long with a longest span of 148 ft (45.1 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns US441 over Oconaluftee River Gov.Rd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.