US Bridges

SR1346 over Owl Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, North Carolina · 75 FT.E.JCT.SR1331 · Structure no. 000000000390175

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1997 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1346 over Owl Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1346 over Owl Creek in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1346
CrossesOwl Creek
Location75 FT.E.JCT.SR1331
RouteState Highway 1346
CountyCherokee County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.14456, -84.04304
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1997)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 SR1346 over Owl Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1346 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 SR1346 over Owl Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is SR1346 over Owl Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1346 over Owl Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.