US Bridges

SR1609 over Buffalo Creek

GoodPosted for load

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. E. Jct. SR1611 · Structure no. 000000000450164

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
830
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1609 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1609 over Buffalo Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 830 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,660 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1609
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.4 Mi. E. Jct. SR1611
RouteState Highway 1609
CountyCleveland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.48322, -81.50643
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic830 (2016)
Projected traffic1,660 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1609 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1609 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does SR1609 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 830 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1609 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR1609 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.