Jackson County Bridge Report Card
Jackson County scores 71 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Jackson County, North Carolina
Jackson County has 230 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 29 rated poor and 1 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 12.6% is above the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 28,050 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Jackson County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 71/100 (C). The county has 230 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 29 in poor condition and 1 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 28,050 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 | 12.6% | 25.2 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 3.5% of measured traffic | 2.6 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.4% | 0.9 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 48 years vs 48 nationally | 0.0 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 804,806 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 | 12.6% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.4% |
| Average Bridge Age | 48 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 28,050 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Jackson County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Us64 over Long Branch | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 5,900 | 1965 |
| Nc116 over Savannah Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 3,800 | 1951 |
| Old Forest Hill RD over Cullowhee Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 3,300 | 1952 |
| University Way over Cullowhee Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 2,800 | 1973 |
| Sr1534 over Tuckasegee River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,500 | 1962 |
| Picnic Grounds RD over Cullowhee Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,000 | 1954 |
| Sr1145 over Norton Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 800 | 1945 |
| Sr1120 over Cedar Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 800 | 1961 |
| Nc281 over Gladie Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 700 | 1960 |
| Sr1145 over Pine Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 650 | 1952 |
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.