US Bridges

SR1213 over Cove Creek

FairPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · 50 FT.N.JCT.SR1233 · Structure no. 000000001890117

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
770
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1213 over Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1213 over Cove Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 770 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,540 by 2040. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1213
CrossesCove Creek
Location50 FT.N.JCT.SR1233
RouteState Highway 1213
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.25747, -81.78774
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic770 (2017)
Projected traffic1,540 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 SR1213 over Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1213 over Cove 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1213 over Cove Creek carry?

About 770 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1213 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1213 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.