US Bridges

SR1734 over I-40

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .05 MI.N.JCT.SR1737 · Structure no. 000000000230147

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
184 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1734 over I-40 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1734 over I-40 in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,200 by 2040. The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1734
CrossesI-40
Location.05 MI.N.JCT.SR1737
RouteState Highway 1734
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.72694, -81.56051
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length184 ft (56 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2021)
Projected traffic7,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1734 over I-40 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1734 over I-40 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR1734 over I-40 carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1734 over I-40?

The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR1734 over I-40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.