US Bridges

SR1232 over Panther Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · .5 MI.N.JCT.SR1268 · Structure no. 000000000750067

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1232 over Panther Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1232 over Panther Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2040. The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1232
CrossesPanther Creek
Location.5 MI.N.JCT.SR1268
RouteState Highway 1232
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.38299, -83.62716
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length101 ft (30.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2019)
Projected traffic300 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 SR1232 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1232 over Panther 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 SR1232 over Panther Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1232 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1232 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.