US Bridges

SR1238 over Big Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Stanly County, North Carolina · 1.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR1239 · Structure no. 000000001670192

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
58 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
310
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1238 over Big Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1238 over Big Bear Creek in Stanly County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 310 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 620 by 2040. The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1238
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location1.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR1239
RouteState Highway 1238
CountyStanly County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.34046, -80.34045
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic310 (2015)
Projected traffic620 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1238 over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1238 over Big 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR1238 over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 310 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1238 over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns SR1238 over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.