US Bridges

SR1578 over Blue Creek

FairPosted for load

Caldwell County, North Carolina · 200 FT.S.JCT.SR1550 · Structure no. 000000000270355

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1578 over Blue Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1578 over Blue Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1578
CrossesBlue Creek
Location200 FT.S.JCT.SR1550
RouteState Highway 1578
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.98201, -81.43962
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2016)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 SR1578 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1578 over Blue 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 SR1578 over Blue Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1578 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1578 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.