US Bridges

SR1527 over Helton Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .7 MI.W.JCT.SR1528 · Structure no. 000000000090241

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1527 over Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1527 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 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 180 by 2040. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1527
CrossesHelton Creek
Location.7 MI.W.JCT.SR1528
RouteState Highway 1527
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.547, -81.44587
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2000)
Projected traffic180 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1527 over Helton Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1527 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR1527 over Helton Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1527 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1527 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.