US Bridges

SR1536 over Howard Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1512 · Structure no. 000000000230135

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1536 over Howard Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1536 over Howard Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1536
CrossesHoward Creek
Location0.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1512
RouteState Highway 1536
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.77233, -81.58603
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2018)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1536 over Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1536 over Howard 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR1536 over Howard Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is SR1536 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1536 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.