NFSR 787
over LOOKING GLASS CREEK
.1 MI. FROM JCT. W/US 276, Transylvania County, North Carolina
Condition
FairYear Built
1992
Daily Traffic
50
Length
7 ft
About This Bridge
NFSR 787 carries traffic over LOOKING GLASS CREEK in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Built in 1992, this structure is 34 years old, built during a period of significant highway expansion. The bridge features wood or timber construction with a arch - deck design, a combination chosen by engineers to meet the specific requirements of this crossing.
Approximately 50 vehicles cross this bridge daily, indicating lower traffic volumes common for local roads and rural routes. While traffic is lighter, these bridges still serve essential community transportation needs.
The bridge is currently rated in fair condition based on federal inspection criteria established by the Federal Highway Administration. The structure meets current safety standards for its designated use and load capacity. With a total length of 7 feet, this is a shorter span typical of local road crossings, often carrying traffic over small streams, drainage channels, or other roadways.
The construction materials used in this bridge were selected based on engineering requirements, cost considerations, and local conditions at the time of construction.
Federal law requires that all highway bridges be inspected at least every 24 months by qualified inspectors following the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Some bridges with known issues or unusual characteristics may be inspected more frequently. Inspection data is reported to the National Bridge Inventory, a database maintained by the Federal Highway Administration that tracks the condition of all public highway bridges in the United States. This bridge data is sourced from that federal database and reflects the most recent available inspection results.
Condition Ratings
Deck Condition
Satisfactory
Superstructure
Good
Substructure
Good
Channel & Protection
Very Good
Lowest Rating
Determines condition category
NBI condition ratings range from 0 (failed) to 9 (excellent). Ratings of 4 or below are considered poor. The overall condition category is determined by the lowest individual component rating.
The fair condition rating of 6 indicates satisfactory condition with minor section loss or deterioration.
For a structure built in 1992, this condition level is expected given the bridge's age and usage patterns. If this bridge were closed, traffic would face a detour of approximately 621 miles, underscoring the importance of maintaining this crossing.
Bridge Details
Wood or Timber is the primary structural material, which influences maintenance requirements and expected lifespan. The arch - deck design was selected based on span requirements, load capacity needs, and site conditions at the time of construction. Maintenance responsibility falls to U.S. Forest Service.
Construction
Dimensions
Span dimensions affect structural design choices and load distribution. The deck area of 226 sq ft determines surface maintenance scope.
Classification
Status
Traffic Data
Traffic volume data helps engineers assess bridge wear patterns and plan maintenance schedules. Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts are updated periodically and represent typical weekday usage.
50
Avg Daily Traffic
Vehicles per day crossing this bridge
—
Truck Traffic
Commercial vehicle percentage
75
Projected Future ADT
Estimated future demand
This bridge carries approximately 50 vehicles per day, translating to roughly 18,250 crossings annually. Lower traffic volumes generally result in less structural wear over time.
Traffic projections estimate future volumes of 75 vehicles daily, a 50% increase from current levels. These projections inform capacity planning and potential upgrade requirements.
Load Ratings
Load ratings determine what weight this bridge can safely support. These values are critical for routing heavy vehicles and issuing overweight permits.
Operating Rating
3.3 tons
Maximum allowable load for special permits
Inventory Rating
2.5 tons
Load level for normal traffic
The operating rating of 3.3 tons represents the absolute maximum load this bridge can carry under controlled conditions with special permits. The inventory rating of 2.5 tons is the safe load limit for everyday traffic without restrictions. These relatively low ratings may result in posted weight limits or route restrictions for heavy vehicles.
5-Year Condition Trend
→StableCondition has remained relatively stable since 2020
Data: 2020-2024 FHWA National Bridge Inventory
Location
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36.555278, -83.262778
Identification
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Data Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory 2024
Bridge inspection data is typically updated every 24 months. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
“Structurally deficient” does not mean a bridge is unsafe or likely to collapse. It indicates that one or more key structural elements are in poor or worse condition. Bridges are inspected regularly and may have load restrictions in place.
This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used for route clearance or vehicle weight decisions.