Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River
FairSwain County, North Carolina · 0.1 Miles to Newfound Gap · Structure no. 5460103P0000000
- Built
- 2005
- 20 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected May 2023
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Steel
- Length
- 89 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 240
- 2009 count
- Owner
- Federal
- National Park Service
About this bridge
Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River is a steel truss - thru carrying Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 270 by 2029. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River built?
It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.
What condition is Tow String Road over Oconaluftee 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 May 2023.
How much traffic does Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River carry?
About 240 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.
How long is Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River?
The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.
Who owns Tow String Road over Oconaluftee River?
It is owned by the National Park Service and maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.