US Bridges

Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork

Good

Swain County, North Carolina · Near End of 2-WAY Portion · Structure no. 5460212P0000000

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
153 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2009 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork is a steel truss - thru carrying Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, projected to reach 210 by 2029. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesStraight Fork Road
CrossesStraight Fork
LocationNear End of 2-WAY Portion
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62194, -83.21119
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span153 ft (46.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2009)
Projected traffic210 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$9,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 153 ft (46.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Straight Fork Road over Straight Fork?

It is owned by the National Park Service.