US Bridges

SR1956 over Rocky Branch

Poor

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1955 · Structure no. 000000000370399

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
160
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1956 over Rocky Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR1956 over Rocky Branch in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 160 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1956
CrossesRocky Branch
Location0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1955
RouteState Highway 1956
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.64593, -79.1526
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2000)
Projected traffic320 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 SR1956 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1956 over Rocky Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1956 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1956 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR1956 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.