US Bridges

SR1338 over Flat Branch

FairPosted for load

Surry County, North Carolina · 1.8 MI.S.JCT.SR1331 · Structure no. 000000001710197

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1338 over Flat Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1338 over Flat Branch in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1338
CrossesFlat Branch
Location1.8 MI.S.JCT.SR1331
RouteState Highway 1338
CountySurry County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.43404, -80.80579
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2022)
Projected traffic1,200 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1338 over Flat Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1338 over Flat Branch 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 SR1338 over Flat Branch carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1338 over Flat Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1338 over Flat Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.