US Bridges

SR1137 over Bowers Creek

Poor

Swain County, North Carolina · 0.05 MI.W.JCT.SR1143 · Structure no. 000000001730090

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1137 over Bowers Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1137 over Bowers Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1137
CrossesBowers Creek
Location0.05 MI.W.JCT.SR1143
RouteState Highway 1137
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.35022, -83.44452
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2022)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SR1137 over Bowers Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1137 over Bowers Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does SR1137 over Bowers Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1137 over Bowers Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1137 over Bowers Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.