US Bridges

SR1527 over Helton Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .9 MI.W.JCT.SR1528 · Structure no. 000000000090271

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 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 1966 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 59 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 6 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 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1527
CrossesHelton Creek
Location.9 MI.W.JCT.SR1528
RouteState Highway 1527
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54796, -81.44831
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 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 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1527 over Helton Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1527 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1527 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.