US Bridges

SR1308 over Alarka Creek

Poor

Swain County, North Carolina · 100 FT.E.JCT.SR1309 · Structure no. 000000001730137

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
77 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1308 over Alarka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1308 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2040. The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1308
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location100 FT.E.JCT.SR1309
RouteState Highway 1308
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39426, -83.51711
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length77 ft (23.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2000)
Projected traffic40 by 2040
Trucks0%
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 SR1308 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1308 over Alarka 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 SR1308 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1308 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1308 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.