US Bridges

SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · 100 FT.S.JCT.SR1557 · Structure no. 000000000270139

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
151 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2040. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1504
CrossesBuffaloe Creek
Location100 FT.S.JCT.SR1557
RouteState Highway 1504
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.03975, -81.52293
Functional classRural 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2021)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SR1504 over Buffaloe 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 SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns SR1504 over Buffaloe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.