US Bridges

SR1379 over Little Helton Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · 50 FT.W.JCT.NC194 · Structure no. 000000000090341

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1379 over Little Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1379 over Little Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1379
CrossesLittle Helton Creek
Location50 FT.W.JCT.NC194
RouteState Highway 1379
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.56542, -81.45911
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1995)
Projected traffic40 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1379 over Little Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1379 over Little 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR1379 over Little Helton Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is SR1379 over Little Helton Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1379 over Little Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.