US Bridges

SR1326 over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Avery County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.S.JCT.NC194 · Structure no. 000000000110091

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1326 over Elk River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1326 over Elk River in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 5 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1326
CrossesElk River
Location0.2 MI.S.JCT.NC194
RouteState Highway 1326
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.17124, -81.91746
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
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 SR1326 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1326 over Elk River 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 SR1326 over Elk River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1326 over Elk River?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns SR1326 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.