US Bridges

SR1602 over Nathans Creek

Poor

Ashe County, North Carolina · 150 FT.S.JCT.US221 · Structure no. 000000000090247

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1602 over Nathans Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1602 over Nathans Creek 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1602
CrossesNathans Creek
Location150 FT.S.JCT.US221
RouteState Highway 1602
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.46189, -81.35456
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2015)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1602 over Nathans Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1602 over Nathans Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does SR1602 over Nathans Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1602 over Nathans Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1602 over Nathans Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.