US Bridges

SR1347 over Elk Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1100 · Structure no. 000000001890174

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1347 over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1347 over Elk Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1347
CrossesElk Creek
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1100
RouteState Highway 1347
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.30744, -81.59477
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2000)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 SR1347 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1347 over Elk 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1347 over Elk Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1347 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1347 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.