US Bridges

SR1547 over Winkler Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · 150 FT.N.JCT.SR1549 · Structure no. 000000001890011

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1547 over Winkler Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1547 over Winkler Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2022, 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 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 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2040. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1547
CrossesWinkler Creek
Location150 FT.N.JCT.SR1549
RouteState Highway 1547
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.20016, -81.67044
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2022)
Projected traffic9,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1547 over Winkler Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is SR1547 over Winkler 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR1547 over Winkler Creek carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1547 over Winkler Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR1547 over Winkler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.