US Bridges

SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek

FairPosted for load

Burke County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1576 · Structure no. 000000000230224

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1538
CrossesMcgalliard Creek
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.SR1576
RouteState Highway 1538
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.76369, -81.56996
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2021)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1538 over Mcgalliard 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 SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR1538 over Mcgalliard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.