US Bridges

SR1236 over Stecoah Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1235 · Structure no. 000000000750059

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1236 over Stecoah Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1236 over Stecoah Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1236
CrossesStecoah Creek
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1235
RouteState Highway 1236
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.38107, -83.67821
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.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2019)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 SR1236 over Stecoah Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1236 over Stecoah 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR1236 over Stecoah Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1236 over Stecoah Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1236 over Stecoah Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.