US Bridges

SR1345 over Owl Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .9 MI.W.JCT.SR1331 · Structure no. 000000000390016

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1345 over Owl Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1345 over Owl Creek in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1345
CrossesOwl Creek
Location.9 MI.W.JCT.SR1331
RouteState Highway 1345
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.14567, -84.05572
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2022)
Projected traffic700 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1345 over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1345 over Owl 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR1345 over Owl Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1345 over Owl Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1345 over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.