US Bridges

SR1103 over Watauga River

FairPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1121 · Structure no. 000000001890082

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1103 over Watauga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1103 over Watauga River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1103
CrossesWatauga River
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1121
RouteState Highway 1103
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.25131, -81.84117
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2000)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 SR1103 over Watauga River built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1103 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR1103 over Watauga River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1103 over Watauga River?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1103 over Watauga River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.