US Bridges

SR1342 over Owl Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 75 FT.E.JCT.SR1345 · Structure no. 000000000390040

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1342 over Owl Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1342 over Owl Creek in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 85 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1342
CrossesOwl Creek
Location75 FT.E.JCT.SR1345
RouteState Highway 1342
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.15159, -84.06132
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 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 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2000)
Projected traffic240 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 SR1342 over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is SR1342 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 SR1342 over Owl Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1342 over Owl Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1342 over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.