US Bridges

SR2576 over Laurel Branch

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 1 MI.N.JCT.SR2474 · Structure no. 000000000210601

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
430
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2576 over Laurel Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2576 over Laurel Branch in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 66 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 6 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 430 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 860 by 2040. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2576
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location1 MI.N.JCT.SR2474
RouteState Highway 2576
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.65314, -82.35151
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating75 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (2000)
Projected traffic860 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 SR2576 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is SR2576 over Laurel 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SR2576 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2576 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR2576 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.