US Bridges

SR1159 over Rock Creek

Fair

Yancey County, North Carolina · 1.0 MI.S.JCT.SR1158 · Structure no. 000000001990174

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1159 over Rock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1159 over Rock Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 76 ft (23.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1159
CrossesRock Creek
Location1.0 MI.S.JCT.SR1158
RouteState Highway 1159
CountyYancey County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.78859, -82.2137
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2019)
Projected traffic600 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 SR1159 over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1159 over Rock 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1159 over Rock Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1159 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1159 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.