US Bridges

US19 74 over Alarka Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1140 · Structure no. 000000001730016

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19 74 over Alarka Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US19 74 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 6 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,000 by 2040. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19 74
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1140
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39144, -83.47893
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2022)
Projected traffic11,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US19 74 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19 74 over Alarka 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 US19 74 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US19 74 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US19 74 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.