US Bridges

SR1140 over Alarka Creek

FairPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR1139 · Structure no. 000000001730138

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1140 over Alarka Creek is a steel 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1140
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1139
RouteState Highway 1140
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.34053, -83.39464
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating19 US tons
Inventory rating10.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2012)
Projected traffic300 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 150 vehicles per day (2012 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 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1140 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.