US Bridges

SR1345 over Charles Creek

Fair

Mitchell County, North Carolina · .45 MI.N.JCT.NC261 · Structure no. 000000001210123

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1345 over Charles Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1345 over Charles Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1345
CrossesCharles Creek
Location.45 MI.N.JCT.NC261
RouteState Highway 1345
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.07299, -82.11339
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 SR1345 over Charles Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1345 over Charles 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1345 over Charles Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1345 over Charles Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SR1345 over Charles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.