US Bridges

SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek

Poor

Madison County, North Carolina · .5 MI.E.JCT.SR1370 · Structure no. 000000001150092

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1318
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1370
RouteState Highway 1318
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.91101, -82.59901
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 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 closed19.9 mi (32 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 SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek carry?

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

How long is SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR1318 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.