US Bridges

SR1123 over Laurel Creek

PoorPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · 200 FT.N.JCT.SR1157 · Structure no. 000000001890277

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1123 over Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1123 over Laurel Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1123
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location200 FT.N.JCT.SR1157
RouteState Highway 1123
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.23257, -81.84951
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2020)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 SR1123 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1123 over Laurel 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1123 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1123 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1123 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.