US Bridges

SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, North Carolina · .9 MI.S.JCT.SR1001 · Structure no. 000000000990128

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek in Jackson 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1157
CrossesCullowhee Creek
Location.9 MI.S.JCT.SR1001
RouteState Highway 1157
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.273, -83.18238
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.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2017)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1157 over Cullowhee 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR1157 over Cullowhee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.