US Bridges

SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River

FairPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1554 · Structure no. 000000000090250

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1553
CrossesUt to N. Fork New River
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.SR1554
RouteState Highway 1553
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54405, -81.37928
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1553 over Ut to N. Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.