US Bridges

SR1246 over Cane Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.W.JCT.SR1228 · Structure no. 000000001110210

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1246 over Cane Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1246 over Cane Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1246
CrossesCane Creek
Location.3 MI.W.JCT.SR1228
RouteState Highway 1246
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.65714, -82.10831
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating64.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2019)
Projected traffic600 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1246 over Cane Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1246 over Cane 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR1246 over Cane Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1246 over Cane Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SR1246 over Cane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.