Macon County Bridge Report Card
Macon County scores 51 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Macon County, North Carolina
Macon County has 224 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 48 rated poor and 0 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 21.4% is above the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 48,930 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Macon County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 51/100 (F). The county has 224 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 48 in poor condition and 0 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 48,930 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 | 21.4% | 40.0 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 11.4% of measured traffic | 8.5 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.0% | 0.0 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 49 years vs 48 nationally | 0.5 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 429,258 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 | 21.4% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.0% |
| Average Bridge Age | 49 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 48,930 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Macon County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Us23 441 Sbl over Us64 Nc28 | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 9,750 | 1972 |
| Us64 over Cullasaja River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 7,300 | 1965 |
| Us64 Nc28 over Cullasaja River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 7,300 | 1965 |
| Sr1378 over Iotla Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 3,800 | 1968 |
| Us64 over Nantahala River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 2,900 | 1965 |
| Nc28 over Cowee Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 2,100 | 1921 |
| Sr1538 over Big Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,600 | 1971 |
| Sr1533 over Walnut Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,300 | 1973 |
| Sr1001 over Ellijay Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 950 | 1951 |
| Sr1001 over Ellijay Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 950 | 1957 |
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.