US Bridges

SR1552 over North Fork New River

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1553 · Structure no. 000000000090121

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
242 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1552 over North Fork New River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1552 over North Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 242 ft (73.7 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1552
CrossesNorth Fork New River
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1553
RouteState Highway 1552
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54922, -81.37315
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length242 ft (73.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 SR1552 over North Fork New River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1552 over North 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 SR1552 over North Fork New River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is SR1552 over North Fork New River?

The structure is 242 ft (73.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns SR1552 over North Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.