US Bridges

SR1344 over Sawmill Branch

Fair

Lincoln County, North Carolina · 1.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR1345 · Structure no. 000000001090256

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1344 over Sawmill Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR1344 over Sawmill Branch in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1344
CrossesSawmill Branch
Location1.3 Mi. S. Jct. SR1345
RouteState Highway 1344
CountyLincoln County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.51725, -81.16575
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1344 over Sawmill Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1344 over Sawmill Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR1344 over Sawmill Branch carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1344 over Sawmill Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR1344 over Sawmill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.