Graham County Bridge Report Card
Graham County scores 92 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Graham County, North Carolina
Graham County has 94 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 3 rated poor and 0 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 3.2% is at or below the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 1,180 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Graham County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 92/100 (A). The county has 94 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 3 in poor condition and 0 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 1,180 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 | 3.2% | 6.4 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 1.7% of measured traffic | 1.3 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.0% | 0.0 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 46 years vs 48 nationally | 0.0 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 69,190 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 | 3.2% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.0% |
| Average Bridge Age | 46 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 1,180 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Graham County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nc28 over Little Tennessee River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 800 | 1943 |
| Sr1236 over South Fork Sawyer Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 200 | 1962 |
| Sr1202 over Tulula Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 180 | 1960 |
| Nc143 over Taulula Creek | High traffic | Fair | 7,100 | 1976 |
| Us129 Nc14 over Long Creek | High traffic | Fair | 5,900 | 1960 |
| Nc143 over Sweetwater Creek | High traffic | Fair | 5,200 | 1976 |
| Nc143 over Sweetwater Creek | High traffic | Good | 5,000 | 1976 |
| Us129 over Cheoah River | High traffic | Fair | 3,700 | 1967 |
| Nc28 over Panther Creek | High traffic | Fair | 3,400 | 1955 |
| Nc28 over Ut To Stecoah Creek | High traffic | Fair | 3,100 | 1947 |
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.