US Bridges

NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek

PoorPosted for load

Transylvania County, North Carolina · 2.9 Mi. N. Jct. Nc 215 · Structure no. 081107000003096

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Mixed Types
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
1981 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek is a steel mixed types carrying NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 2 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2045. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 140
CrossesCourthouse Creek
Location2.9 Mi. N. Jct. Nc 215
RouteFederal Lands Road 140.2
CountyTransylvania County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.27382, -82.89221
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating12.1 US tons
Inventory rating9.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMixed Types
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (1981)
Projected traffic15 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (1981 count).

How long is NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 140 over Courthouse Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.