US Bridges

SR1503 over Porter Swamp

FairPosted for load

Columbus County, North Carolina · 0.7MI.N.JCT.SR1501 · Structure no. 000000000470368

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1503 over Porter Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1503 over Porter Swamp in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1503
CrossesPorter Swamp
Location0.7MI.N.JCT.SR1501
RouteState Highway 1503
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.3604, -78.96226
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2022)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1503 over Porter Swamp built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1503 over Porter Swamp 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR1503 over Porter Swamp carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1503 over Porter Swamp?

The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR1503 over Porter Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.