US Bridges

SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek

Fair

Alamance County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. S. of Jct. SR1581 · Structure no. 000000000010028

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek in Alamance County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1587
CrossesButtermilk Creek
Location0.6 Mi. S. of Jct. SR1581
RouteState Highway 1587
CountyAlamance County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.21204, -79.45322
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.9 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2020)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1587 over Buttermilk 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1587 over Buttermilk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.