US Bridges

SR1268 over Panther Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · 100 FT.W.JCT.SR1232 · Structure no. 000000000750137

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1268 over Panther Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying SR1268 over Panther Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1268
CrossesPanther Creek
Location100 FT.W.JCT.SR1232
RouteState Highway 1268
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.37674, -83.62991
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2019)
Projected traffic300 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 SR1268 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1268 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 SR1268 over Panther Creek carry?

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

How long is SR1268 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns SR1268 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.