US Bridges

SR1323 over Howard Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .05 MI.W.JCT.SR1306 · Structure no. 000000001890299

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
440
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1323 over Howard Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR1323 over Howard Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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.

It carries about 440 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 880 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1323
CrossesHoward Creek
Location.05 MI.W.JCT.SR1306
RouteState Highway 1323
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.27156, -81.71542
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic440 (2009)
Projected traffic880 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1323 over Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1323 over Howard 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 SR1323 over Howard Creek carry?

About 440 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1323 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SR1323 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.