US Bridges

SR1121 over Squirrel Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · 250 FT.S.JCT.SR1138 · Structure no. 000000000110015

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,300
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1121 over Squirrel Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1121 over Squirrel Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 5 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1121
CrossesSquirrel Creek
Location250 FT.S.JCT.SR1138
RouteState Highway 1121
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.06249, -81.99947
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2019)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SR1121 over Squirrel Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1121 over Squirrel 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR1121 over Squirrel Creek carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1121 over Squirrel Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR1121 over Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.