US Bridges

SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · 1.0 MI.W.JCT.SR1306 · Structure no. 000000001130327

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1304
CrossesPoplar Cove Creek
Location1.0 MI.W.JCT.SR1306
RouteState Highway 1304
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.12664, -83.51721
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic80 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1304 over Poplar Cove 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1304 over Poplar Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.