US Bridges

SR1140 over Squirrel Creek

FairPosted for load

Avery County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1138 · Structure no. 000000000110104

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1140 over Squirrel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1140 over Squirrel Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1140
CrossesSquirrel Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1138
RouteState Highway 1140
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.06325, -81.98271
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1140 over Squirrel Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1140 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR1140 over Squirrel Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1140 over Squirrel Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SR1140 over Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.