US Bridges

NC281 over Thompson River

Fair

Transylvania County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1189 · Structure no. 000000001750056

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC281 over Thompson River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC281 over Thompson River in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 5 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC281
CrossesThompson River
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1189
RouteState Highway 281
CountyTransylvania County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.0775, -82.99906
Functional classRural Major 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2022)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC281 over Thompson River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC281 over Thompson 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NC281 over Thompson River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC281 over Thompson River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC281 over Thompson River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.