US Bridges

SR2033 over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2044 · Structure no. 000000000450025

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
225 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2033 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2033 over Buffalo Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,400 by 2040. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

CarriesSR2033
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2044
RouteState Highway 2033
Coordinates35.27443, -81.45626
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2018)
Projected traffic10,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR2033 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2033 over Buffalo Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR2033 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR2033 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR2033 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.