US Bridges

Newfound Gap Road over Collins Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 10.7 Miles South of Newfo · Structure no. 5460093P0000000

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2009 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Newfound Gap Road over Collins Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Newfound Gap Road over Collins 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,930 by 2029. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.1 mi (145 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNewfound Gap Road
CrossesCollins Creek
Location10.7 Miles South of Newfo
RouteFederal Lands Road 10
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56722, -83.33469
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.1 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2009)
Projected traffic6,930 by 2029
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$36,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Newfound Gap Road over Collins Creek built?

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

What condition is Newfound Gap Road over Collins 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 Collins Creek carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Newfound Gap Road over Collins Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.2 m).

Who owns Newfound Gap Road over Collins Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.