US Bridges

SR1508 over Elk Creek

Good

Watauga County, North Carolina · 100 FT.E.JCT.SR1570 · Structure no. 000000001890153

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
370
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1508 over Elk Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1508 over Elk Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 370 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 740 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

CarriesSR1508
CrossesElk Creek
Location100 FT.E.JCT.SR1570
RouteState Highway 1508
Coordinates36.20039, -81.54876
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating64.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (2017)
Projected traffic740 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 SR1508 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1508 over Elk 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR1508 over Elk Creek carry?

About 370 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1508 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR1508 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.