US Bridges

SR1570 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Watauga County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1576 · Structure no. 000000001890301

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1570 over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1570 over Elk Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 140 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1570
CrossesElk Creek
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1576
RouteState Highway 1570
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.20599, -81.54112
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2000)
Projected traffic140 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1570 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1570 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 SR1570 over Elk Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1570 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns SR1570 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.