US Bridges

SR1616 over Sluder Branch

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.W.JCT.SR1620 · Structure no. 000000000210021

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1616 over Sluder Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1616 over Sluder Branch in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 78 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1616
CrossesSluder Branch
Location0.2 MI.W.JCT.SR1620
RouteState Highway 1616
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.66203, -82.69533
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2022)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1616 over Sluder Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SR1616 over Sluder Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1616 over Sluder Branch carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1616 over Sluder Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1616 over Sluder Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.