US Bridges

SR1609 over Tar River

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi.W. of SR1611 · Structure no. 000000000690078

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
271 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1609 over Tar River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1609 over Tar River in Franklin County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,600 by 2040. The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1609
CrossesTar River
Location0.7 Mi.W. of SR1611
RouteState Highway 1609
CountyFranklin County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.96636, -78.2207
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length271 ft (82.6 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2021)
Projected traffic7,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Tar River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1609 over Tar River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR1609 over Tar River carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1609 over Tar River?

The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1609 over Tar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.