US Bridges

SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · 200 FT.E.JCT.SR1126 · Structure no. 000000000750014

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 73 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1148
CrossesWest Buffalo Creek
Location200 FT.E.JCT.SR1126
RouteState Highway 1148
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.32804, -83.89448
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is SR1148 over West Buffalo 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1148 over West Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.