US Bridges

SR1126 over Beech Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .6 MI.S.JCT.SR1125 · Structure no. 000000001890224

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1126 over Beech Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1126 over Beech Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1126
CrossesBeech Creek
Location.6 MI.S.JCT.SR1125
RouteState Highway 1126
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.22371, -81.87713
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating81.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2000)
Projected traffic80 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 SR1126 over Beech Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1126 over Beech 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1126 over Beech Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1126 over Beech Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1126 over Beech Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.