US Bridges

SR1185 over Alarka Creek

PoorPosted for load

Swain County, North Carolina · .09 MI.W.JCT.SR1140 · Structure no. 000000001730152

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
81 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
40
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1185 over Alarka Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1185 over Alarka Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2040. The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1185
CrossesAlarka Creek
Location.09 MI.W.JCT.SR1140
RouteState Highway 1185
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.37872, -83.47205
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length81 ft (24.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (1995)
Projected traffic80 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1185 over Alarka Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1185 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR1185 over Alarka Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is SR1185 over Alarka Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1185 over Alarka Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.