US Bridges

SR1526 over Ellijay Creek

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1001 · Structure no. 000000001130003

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1526 over Ellijay Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1526 over Ellijay Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSR1526
CrossesEllijay Creek
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1001
RouteState Highway 1526
Coordinates35.17222, -83.29859
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2022)
Projected traffic120 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR1526 over Ellijay Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1526 over Ellijay Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1526 over Ellijay Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1526 over Ellijay Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1526 over Ellijay Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.