US Bridges

SR1653 over Drowning Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR1658 · Structure no. 000000000230027

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1653 over Drowning Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1653 over Drowning Creek in Burke 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 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2040. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1653
CrossesDrowning Creek
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR1658
RouteState Highway 1653
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.75471, -81.40374
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2021)
Projected traffic5,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 SR1653 over Drowning Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1653 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR1653 over Drowning Creek carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1653 over Drowning Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR1653 over Drowning Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.