US Bridges

SR1338 over Pigeon River

Poor

Haywood County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.I-40 · Structure no. 000000000870207

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
490 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1338 over Pigeon River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1338 over Pigeon River in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2040. The structure is 490 ft (149.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

CarriesSR1338
CrossesPigeon River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.I-40
RouteState Highway 1338
Coordinates35.66608, -82.99475
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length490 ft (149.3 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2022)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 SR1338 over Pigeon River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1338 over Pigeon River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1338 over Pigeon River carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1338 over Pigeon River?

The structure is 490 ft (149.3 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR1338 over Pigeon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.