US Bridges

SR1525 over Helton Creek

FairPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · 25 S. Jct. NC194 · Structure no. 000000000090483

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1525 over Helton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1525 over Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 59 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 70 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 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
CarriesSR1525
CrossesHelton Creek
Location25 S. Jct. NC194
RouteState Highway 1525
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.54851, -81.47075
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 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 traffic70 (2015)
Projected traffic140 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 SR1525 over Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is SR1525 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR1525 over Helton Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1525 over 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 SR1525 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.