US Bridges

SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek

Poor

Yancey County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1395 · Structure no. 000000001990202

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 160 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1401
CrossesBald Mtn Creek
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1395
RouteState Highway 1401
CountyYancey County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.97234, -82.45665
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2000)
Projected traffic160 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 SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1401 over Bald Mtn 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns SR1401 over Bald Mtn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.