US Bridges

SR1549 over Winkler Creek

Good

Watauga County, North Carolina · .2 MI.W.JCT.SR1547 · Structure no. 000000001890012

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1549 over Winkler Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR1549 over Winkler Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesSR1549
CrossesWinkler Creek
Location.2 MI.W.JCT.SR1547
RouteState Highway 1549
Coordinates36.19829, -81.6735
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2022)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1549 over Winkler Creek built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1549 over Winkler Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does SR1549 over Winkler Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1549 over Winkler Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m).

Who owns SR1549 over Winkler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.