US Bridges

SR1197 over Bear Creek

Fair

Mitchell County, North Carolina · .5 MI.N.JCT.SR1195 · Structure no. 000000001210132

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1197 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1197 over Bear Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1197
CrossesBear Creek
Location.5 MI.N.JCT.SR1195
RouteState Highway 1197
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.97033, -82.10264
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.9 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 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 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 SR1197 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1197 over Bear 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR1197 over Bear Creek carry?

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

How long is SR1197 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1197 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.