US Bridges

SR1508 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · 5.7 MI.S.JCT.SR1583 · Structure no. 000000001890210

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 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 1976, so it is 49 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 370 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 740 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 25.5 mi (41 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1508
CrossesElk Creek
Location5.7 MI.S.JCT.SR1583
RouteState Highway 1508
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14591, -81.50151
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 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 closed25.5 mi (41 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 SR1508 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1508 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 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 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1508 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.