US Bridges

NFSR 422 over Nantahala River

FairPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · No Data Entered · Structure no. 081111000017005

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 422 over Nantahala River is a steel truss - thru carrying NFSR 422 over Nantahala River in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2011, 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2045. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 10 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 620.7 mi (999 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 422
CrossesNantahala River
LocationNo Data Entered
RouteFederal Lands Road 422
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.28452, -83.66968
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating5.7 US tons
Inventory rating4.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width10 ft (3 m)
Roadway width9 ft (2.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (—)
Projected traffic75 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed620.7 mi (999 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 422 over Nantahala River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is NFSR 422 over Nantahala 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 422 over Nantahala River carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (latest count).

How long is NFSR 422 over Nantahala River?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 10 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 422 over Nantahala River?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.