US Bridges

SR1305 over Elk River

PoorPosted for load

Avery County, North Carolina · .8 MI.S.JCT.SR1368 · Structure no. 000000000110035

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1305 over Elk River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1305 over Elk River in Avery 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1305
CrossesElk River
Location.8 MI.S.JCT.SR1368
RouteState Highway 1305
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.16841, -81.96511
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2022)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 SR1305 over Elk River built?

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

What condition is SR1305 over Elk River 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1305 over Elk River carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1305 over Elk River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1305 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.