US Bridges

SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek

Poor

Ashe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1326 · Structure no. 000000000090340

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 65 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1322
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1326
RouteState Highway 1322
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54076, -81.667
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating67.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2015)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.