US Bridges

SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.NC194 88 · Structure no. 000000000090450

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
1995 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1637
CrossesLittle Buffalo Creek
Location.1 MI.E.NC194 88
RouteState Highway 1637
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.43026, -81.50361
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1995)
Projected traffic200 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1637 over Little Buffalo 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 SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1995 count).

How long is SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1637 over Little Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.