US Bridges

SR2044 over Elkin Creek

PoorPosted for load

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 200 FT.W.JCT.SR2037 · Structure no. 000000001930239

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
116 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2044 over Elkin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2044 over Elkin Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 116 ft (35.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2044
CrossesElkin Creek
Location200 FT.W.JCT.SR2037
RouteState Highway 2044
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.28054, -80.87961
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length116 ft (35.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2016)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR2044 over Elkin Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2044 over Elkin Creek 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR2044 over Elkin Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2044 over Elkin Creek?

The structure is 116 ft (35.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR2044 over Elkin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.