US Bridges

SR1389 over Valley River

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.US19 74 129 · Structure no. 000000000390136

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1389 over Valley River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1389 over Valley River in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 64 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1389
CrossesValley River
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.US19 74 129
RouteState Highway 1389
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.20006, -83.79936
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 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 closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1389 over Valley River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SR1389 over Valley River 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 SR1389 over Valley River carry?

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

How long is SR1389 over Valley River?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1389 over Valley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.