US Bridges

SR1353 over Big Horse Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .6 MI.S.JCT.SR1381 · Structure no. 000000000090173

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1353 over Big Horse Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1353 over Big Horse Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1984, 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,600 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1353
CrossesBig Horse Creek
Location.6 MI.S.JCT.SR1381
RouteState Highway 1353
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.52188, -81.52544
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2022)
Projected traffic1,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 SR1353 over Big Horse Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SR1353 over Big Horse 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR1353 over Big Horse Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1353 over Big Horse Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1353 over Big Horse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.