US Bridges

SR1309 over Alarka Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · 20 FT.W.JCT.SR1306 · Structure no. 000000001730148

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete
Length
73 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1309 over Alarka Creek is a concrete girder and floorbeam system carrying SR1309 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 73 ft (22.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1309
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location20 FT.W.JCT.SR1306
RouteState Highway 1309
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39181, -83.48703
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length73 ft (22.2 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 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 closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1309 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 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 73 ft (22.2 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1309 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.