US Bridges

SR1138 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .7 MI.S.JCT.SR1133 · Structure no. 000000000090202

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
360
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1138 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1138 over Buffalo Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 60 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 360 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 720 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1138
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.7 MI.S.JCT.SR1133
RouteState Highway 1138
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.39599, -81.53129
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic360 (2015)
Projected traffic720 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1138 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is SR1138 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does SR1138 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 360 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1138 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1138 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.