US Bridges

SR1297 over US19E

Fair

Mitchell County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.NC226 · Structure no. 000000001210009

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
244 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1297 over US19E is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1297 over US19E in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 244 ft (74.3 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1297
CrossesUS19E
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.NC226
RouteState Highway 1297
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.91031, -82.07061
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating65.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length244 ft (74.3 m)
Longest span118 ft (35.9 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2019)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1297 over US19E built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1297 over US19E 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 SR1297 over US19E carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1297 over US19E?

The structure is 244 ft (74.3 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (35.9 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SR1297 over US19E?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.