US Bridges

SR1557 over Watauga River

FairPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR1568 · Structure no. 000000001890003

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1557 over Watauga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1557 over Watauga River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1557
CrossesWatauga River
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1568
RouteState Highway 1557
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.17336, -81.74581
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 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 SR1557 over Watauga River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1557 over Watauga 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1557 over Watauga River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1557 over Watauga River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR1557 over Watauga River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.