Clay County Bridge Report Card
Clay County scores 91 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Clay County, North Carolina
Clay County has 64 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 2 rated poor and 0 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 3.1% is at or below the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 970 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Clay County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 91/100 (A). The county has 64 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 2 in poor condition and 0 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 970 daily vehicle crossings. Poor condition does not mean unsafe; bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.
How the Score Breaks Down
| Factor | Weight | County Value | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor-condition bridge share | 40 | 3.1% | 6.2 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 1.3% of measured traffic | 1.0 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.0% | 0.0 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 52 years vs 48 nationally | 1.5 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 74,398 measured daily crossings | 0.0 |
Score = 100 minus weighted penalties. The score is a comparative research signal, not an official safety rating. Read the full methodology.
County Comparisons
| County Poor-Condition Share | 3.1% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.0% |
| Average Bridge Age | 52 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 970 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Clay County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sr1300 over Hiwassee River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 950 | 1956 |
| Sr1311 over Big Tuni Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 20 | 1964 |
| Nc69 over Blair Creek | High traffic | Good | 10,500 | 1956 |
| Us64 over Hiwassee River | High traffic | Good | 10,500 | 2001 |
| Nc69 over Hyatt Mill Creek | High traffic | Good | 8,400 | 1942 |
| Us64 over Sweetwater Creek | High traffic | Fair | 8,300 | 1950 |
| Us64 over Licklog Creek | High traffic | Good | 5,600 | 1960 |
| Us64 over Shooting Creek | High traffic | Good | 3,500 | 1970 |
| Us64 over Buck Creek | High traffic | Good | 2,900 | 1975 |
| Sr1307 over Hiwassee River | High traffic | Good | 2,700 | 1986 |
Important safety note
Poor condition does not mean a bridge is unsafe. It means at least one major component has significant deterioration and the bridge is a priority for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.