US Bridges

SR1536 over Helton Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.NC16 · Structure no. 000000000090206

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1536 over Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1536 over Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 92 ft (28 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1536
CrossesHelton Creek
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.NC16
RouteState Highway 1536
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.53493, -81.42135
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 SR1536 over Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1536 over 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR1536 over Helton Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1536 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1536 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.