US Bridges

SR1281 over Beech Creek

FairPosted for load

Graham County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1223 · Structure no. 000000000750025

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1281 over Beech Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1281 over Beech Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1281
CrossesBeech Creek
Location0.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1223
RouteState Highway 1281
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3398, -83.748
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1281 over Beech Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1281 over Beech 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1281 over Beech Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1281 over Beech Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1281 over Beech Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.