US Bridges

SR1145 over Alarka Creek

FairPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · .05 MI.S.JCT.SR1140 · Structure no. 000000001730146

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1145 over Alarka Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1145 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 64 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 180 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 360 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1145
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.05 MI.S.JCT.SR1140
RouteState Highway 1145
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.36706, -83.46819
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
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2017)
Projected traffic360 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 SR1145 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is SR1145 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 SR1145 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1145 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns SR1145 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.