US Bridges

SR1609 over Cranberry Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. E. Jct. SR1612 · Structure no. 000000000090183

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1609 over Cranberry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1609 over Cranberry Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 61 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, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1609
CrossesCranberry Creek
Location0.7 Mi. E. Jct. SR1612
RouteState Highway 1609
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.41943, -81.2896
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1609 over Cranberry Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is SR1609 over Cranberry 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1609 over Cranberry Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1609 over Cranberry Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1609 over Cranberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.