US Bridges

SR1501 over Lower Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .3 MI.E.JCT.NC18 · Structure no. 000000000230241

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
161 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1501 over Lower Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1501 over Lower Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2040. The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1501
CrossesLower Creek
Location.3 MI.E.JCT.NC18
RouteState Highway 1501
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.82532, -81.63597
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length161 ft (49 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2021)
Projected traffic4,000 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 SR1501 over Lower Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1501 over Lower 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR1501 over Lower Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1501 over Lower Creek?

The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1501 over Lower Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.