US Bridges

SR1500 over Watauga Creek

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · 0.6 MI.W.JCT.SR1501 · Structure no. 000000001130125

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
720
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1500 over Watauga Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1500 over Watauga Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 52 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 720 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,480 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1500
CrossesWatauga Creek
Location0.6 MI.W.JCT.SR1501
RouteState Highway 1500
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23286, -83.33069
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic720 (2021)
Projected traffic1,480 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1500 over Watauga Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is SR1500 over Watauga 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR1500 over Watauga Creek carry?

About 720 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1500 over Watauga Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR1500 over Watauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.