US Bridges

SR1500 over Watauga Creek

Poor

Macon County, North Carolina · .3 MI.W.JCT.US23 441 · Structure no. 000000001130199

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1500 over Watauga Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1500 over Watauga Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1500
CrossesWatauga Creek
Location.3 MI.W.JCT.US23 441
RouteState Highway 1500
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.22927, -83.34572
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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 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 SR1500 over Watauga Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1500 over Watauga 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR1500 over Watauga Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1500 over Watauga Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1500 over Watauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.