US Bridges

SR1397 over Little Fisher River

Fair

Surry County, North Carolina · .2 MI.S.JCT.SR1602 · Structure no. 000000001710174

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1397 over Little Fisher River is a steel culvert carrying SR1397 over Little Fisher River in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2040. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1397
CrossesLittle Fisher River
Location.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1602
RouteState Highway 1397
CountySurry County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.53215, -80.7761
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2019)
Projected traffic900 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1397 over Little Fisher River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1397 over Little Fisher River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1397 over Little Fisher River carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1397 over Little Fisher River?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns SR1397 over Little Fisher River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.