US Bridges

SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek

FairPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · .05 MI.E.JCT.SR1342 · Structure no. 000000001130082

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
260
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek in Macon 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 6 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 260 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 520 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSR1343
CrossesCaler Fork Creek
Location.05 MI.E.JCT.SR1342
RouteState Highway 1343
Coordinates35.26883, -83.38131
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2015)
Projected traffic520 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1343 over Caler Fork 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1343 over Caler Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.