US Bridges

SR1536 over Helton Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · 25 FT.S.JCT.SR1528 · Structure no. 000000000090289

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2016 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 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 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1536
CrossesHelton Creek
Location25 FT.S.JCT.SR1528
RouteState Highway 1536
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54651, -81.43744
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.5 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2016)
Projected traffic160 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 1967, making it 58 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR1536 over Helton Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1536 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns SR1536 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.