US Bridges

SR1309 over Alarka Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1308 · Structure no. 000000001730104

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1309 over Alarka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1309 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1309
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1308
RouteState Highway 1309
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39461, -83.51852
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2021)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 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 SR1309 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1309 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 SR1309 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1309 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1309 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.