US Bridges

SR1527 over Ward Creek

FairPosted for load

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. S. Jct. SR1529 · Structure no. 000000000450358

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1527 over Ward Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1527 over Ward Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 64 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1527
CrossesWard Creek
Location0.8 Mi. S. Jct. SR1529
RouteState Highway 1527
CountyCleveland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.48873, -81.65344
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2000)
Projected traffic100 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1527 over Ward Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is SR1527 over Ward 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 SR1527 over Ward Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1527 over Ward Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1527 over Ward Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.