US Bridges

SR1508 over Elk Creek

PoorPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · 1 MI.S.JCT.SR1583 · Structure no. 000000001890205

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
370
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1508 over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1508 over Elk Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 370 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 740 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesSR1508
CrossesElk Creek
Location1 MI.S.JCT.SR1583
RouteState Highway 1508
Coordinates36.19297, -81.52852
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating28 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1508 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1508 over Elk Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. 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 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1508 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.