US Bridges

NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · 20 FT.S.JCT.SR1539 · Structure no. 000000000090036

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
505 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2040. The structure is 505 ft (153.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC16
CrossesSR1539 N.Fork New River
Location20 FT.S.JCT.SR1539
RouteState Highway 16
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.51894, -81.41018
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating64.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length505 ft (153.9 m)
Longest span219 ft (66.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2022)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River?

The structure is 505 ft (153.9 m) long with a longest span of 219 ft (66.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns NC16 over SR1539 N.Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.