US Bridges

Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 14.5 Miles South of Newfo · Structure no. 5460090P0000000

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,900
2023 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek is a concrete frame carrying Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930, 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,490 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.1 mi (145 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNewfound Gap Road
CrossesMingus Creek
Location14.5 Miles South of Newfo
RouteFederal Lands Road 10
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.52014, -83.30783
Functional classRural Minor 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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2023)
Projected traffic6,490 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed90.1 mi (145 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$180,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek built?

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

What condition is Newfound Gap Road over Mingus 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Newfound Gap Road over Mingus Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.