US Bridges

SR1606 over Cranberry Creek

FairPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1605 · Structure no. 000000000090343

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1606 over Cranberry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1606 over Cranberry Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1606
CrossesCranberry Creek
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1605
RouteState Highway 1606
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.45298, -81.3005
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2000)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1606 over Cranberry Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1606 over Cranberry 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 SR1606 over Cranberry Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1606 over Cranberry Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns SR1606 over Cranberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.