US Bridges

SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek

Fair

Graham County, North Carolina · 0.05 MI.S.JCT.SR1134 · Structure no. 000000000750139

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 20.5 mi (33 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1159
CrossesLittle Santeetlah Creek
Location0.05 MI.S.JCT.SR1134
RouteState Highway 1159
CountyGraham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3619, -83.92097
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2016)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed20.5 mi (33 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1159 over Little Santeetlah 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 SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR1159 over Little Santeetlah Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.