NC281 over Whitewater River
PoorTransylvania County, North Carolina · 2.6 MI.S.JCT.SR1150 · Structure no. 000000001750043
- Built
- 1967
- 58 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected July 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 305 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,300
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NC281 over Whitewater River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC281 over Whitewater River in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2040. The structure is 305 ft (92.9 m) long and 36 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 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| 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 NC281 over Whitewater River built?
It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.
What condition is NC281 over Whitewater River in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.
How much traffic does NC281 over Whitewater River carry?
About 1,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is NC281 over Whitewater River?
The structure is 305 ft (92.9 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.
Who owns NC281 over Whitewater River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.