US Bridges

SR1538 over Wards Creek

FairPosted for load

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1536 · Structure no. 000000000450175

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
570
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1538 over Wards Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1538 over Wards Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 570 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,140 by 2040. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1538
CrossesWards Creek
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1536
RouteState Highway 1538
CountyCleveland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.51483, -81.63227
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating18 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic570 (2016)
Projected traffic1,140 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 SR1538 over Wards Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1538 over Wards 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1538 over Wards Creek carry?

About 570 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1538 over Wards Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1538 over Wards Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.