US Bridges

SR1618 over Drowning Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.6 MI.N.JCT.SR1621 · Structure no. 000000000230023

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1618 over Drowning Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1618 over Drowning Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 72 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1618
CrossesDrowning Creek
Location0.6 MI.N.JCT.SR1621
RouteState Highway 1618
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73678, -81.47126
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1618 over Drowning Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR1618 over Drowning 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR1618 over Drowning Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1618 over Drowning Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1618 over Drowning Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.