SR1539 over Helton Creek
PoorAshe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.NC16 · Structure no. 000000000090308
- Built
- 1978
- 47 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected April 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 96 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 70
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SR1539 over Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1539 over Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 140 by 2040. The structure is 96 ft (29.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SR1539 over Helton Creek built?
It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.
What condition is SR1539 over Helton 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 SR1539 over Helton Creek carry?
About 70 vehicles per day (2022 count).
How long is SR1539 over Helton Creek?
The structure is 96 ft (29.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.
Who owns SR1539 over Helton Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.