US Bridges

SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek

FairPosted for load

Clay County, North Carolina · 50 FT.N.JCT.US64 · Structure no. 000000000430041

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek in Clay County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1302
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location50 FT.N.JCT.US64
RouteState Highway 1302
CountyClay County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.05486, -83.8931
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2022)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1302 over Sweetwater 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns SR1302 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.