US Bridges

SR1138 over Britten Creek

Fair

Polk County, North Carolina · .2 MI.S.JCT.SR1161 · Structure no. 000000001490041

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1138 over Britten Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1138 over Britten Creek in Polk County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 70 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1138
CrossesBritten Creek
Location.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1161
RouteState Highway 1138
CountyPolk County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.37228, -82.21522
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2020)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 SR1138 over Britten Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is SR1138 over Britten 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1138 over Britten Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1138 over Britten Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1138 over Britten Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.