US Bridges

SR1140 over Alarka Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 70 FT.E.JCT.SR1137 · Structure no. 000000001730089

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1140 over Alarka Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1140 over Alarka Creek in Swain 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1140
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location70 FT.E.JCT.SR1137
RouteState Highway 1140
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.34292, -83.40636
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.
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 inspectionAugust 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1140 over Alarka Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1140 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1140 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1140 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1140 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.