US Bridges

SR1138 over Alarka Creek

FairPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR1140 · Structure no. 000000001730111

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1138 over Alarka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1138 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1138
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1140
RouteState Highway 1138
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.35524, -83.40804
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2016)
Projected traffic140 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 SR1138 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SR1138 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 SR1138 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1138 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SR1138 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.