US Bridges

SR1217 over Cove Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · 40 FT.N.JCT.SR1233 · Structure no. 000000001890168

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1217 over Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1217 over Cove Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1217
CrossesCove Creek
Location40 FT.N.JCT.SR1233
RouteState Highway 1217
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.27886, -81.77998
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1217 over Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is SR1217 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR1217 over Cove Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1217 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1217 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.