US Bridges

NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1536 · Structure no. 000000000090042

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 69 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 5 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 200 ft (60.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC16
CrossesSR1536 Helton Creek
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1536
RouteState Highway 16
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.53276, -81.41838
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length200 ft (60.9 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2022)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is NC16 over SR1536 Helton 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek carry?

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

How long is NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (60.9 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC16 over SR1536 Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.