US Bridges

SR1594 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1504 · Structure no. 000000000270343

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20
1998 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1594 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1594 over Buffalo Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1985, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2040. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1594
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1504
RouteState Highway 1594
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.04545, -81.5304
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1998)
Projected traffic40 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1594 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR1594 over Buffalo 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR1594 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is SR1594 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1594 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.