US Bridges

SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.

Good

Watauga County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1543 · Structure no. 000000001890324

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
89 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
330
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 330 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 660 by 2040. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1542
CrossesMid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1543
RouteState Highway 1542
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.19143, -81.65523
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (2017)
Projected traffic660 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2021.

How much traffic does SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1542 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.