US Bridges

SR2156 over Bear Creek

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2155 · Structure no. 000000000370402

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2156 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2156 over Bear Creek in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 80 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSR2156
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2155
RouteState Highway 2156
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.63488, -79.21208
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length161 ft (49 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2015)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR2156 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SR2156 over Bear 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR2156 over Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2156 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR2156 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.