US Bridges

SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek

Good

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1392 · Structure no. 000000000210676

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR1397
CrossesBald Fork Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1392
RouteState Highway 1397
Coordinates35.66838, -82.84361
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1995)
Projected traffic100 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1397 over Bald Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.