US Bridges

SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1718 · Structure no. 000000000270091

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2040. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1809
CrossesGunpowder Creek
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1718
RouteState Highway 1809
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.83951, -81.44681
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2021)
Projected traffic1,400 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 SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1809 over Gunpowder 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1809 over Gunpowder Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.