US Bridges

I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318

Fair

Madison County, North Carolina · 3 Mi.E.Tenn.State Line · Structure no. 000000001150547

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
994 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318 in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 994 ft (302.9 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26
CrossesBig Laurel Creek. SR1318
Location3 Mi.E.Tenn.State Line
RouteInterstate 26
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.91704, -82.55788
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.9 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length994 ft (302.9 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.5 m)
Roadway width91 ft (27.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2022)
Projected traffic22,000 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318 built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318 carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318?

The structure is 994 ft (302.9 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over Big Laurel Creek. SR1318?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.