US Bridges

SR2042 over Elkin Creek

PoorPosted for load

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 0.8 MI.W.JCT.SR2037 · Structure no. 000000001930314

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
71 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2042 over Elkin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2042 over Elkin Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2042
CrossesElkin Creek
Location0.8 MI.W.JCT.SR2037
RouteState Highway 2042
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.29214, -80.88963
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length71 ft (21.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR2042 over Elkin Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2042 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 2025.

How much traffic does SR2042 over Elkin Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR2042 over Elkin Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR2042 over Elkin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.