US Bridges

SR1202 over Tulula Creek

Poor

Graham County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.US129 · Structure no. 000000000750056

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1202 over Tulula Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1202 over Tulula Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 360 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1202
CrossesTulula Creek
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.US129
RouteState Highway 1202
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.27369, -83.73136
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2011)
Projected traffic360 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1202 over Tulula Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1202 over Tulula Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does SR1202 over Tulula Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1202 over Tulula Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1202 over Tulula Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.