SR1594 over Watauga River
PoorPosted for loadWatauga County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.S.JCT.NC105 · Structure no. 000000001890319
- Built
- 1965
- 60 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 62 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 350
- 1996 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SR1594 over Watauga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1594 over Watauga River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SR1594 over Watauga River built?
It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.
What condition is SR1594 over Watauga River 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does SR1594 over Watauga River carry?
About 350 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is SR1594 over Watauga River?
The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.
Who owns SR1594 over Watauga River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.