US Bridges

SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · .8 MI.N.JCT.SR1323 · Structure no. 000000000090386

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 140 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSR1322
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.8 MI.N.JCT.SR1323
RouteState Highway 1322
Coordinates36.5049, -81.68173
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2000)
Projected traffic140 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

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 70 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns SR1322 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.