US Bridges

SR1388 over Valley River

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 100 FT.S.JCT.SR1419 · Structure no. 000000000390141

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1388 over Valley River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1388 over Valley River in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 6 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesSR1388
CrossesValley River
Location100 FT.S.JCT.SR1419
RouteState Highway 1388
Coordinates35.20511, -83.82782
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2015)
Projected traffic3,200 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1388 over Valley River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1388 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR1388 over Valley River carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1388 over Valley River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR1388 over Valley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.