US Bridges

SR1327 over Watauga Creek

Fair

Macon County, North Carolina · 0.6 MI.W.JCT.SR1328 · Structure no. 000000001130362

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
130
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1327 over Watauga Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1327 over Watauga Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 5 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 130 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1327
CrossesWatauga Creek
Location0.6 MI.W.JCT.SR1328
RouteState Highway 1327
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.2211, -83.37115
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2000)
Projected traffic260 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 SR1327 over Watauga Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1327 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1327 over Watauga Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1327 over Watauga Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1327 over Watauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.