US Bridges

SR1544 over Morrison Creek

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1551 · Structure no. 000000000970496

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1544 over Morrison Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1544 over Morrison Creek in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 68 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1544
CrossesMorrison Creek
Location0.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1551
RouteState Highway 1544
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.82201, -80.93467
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2022)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
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 SR1544 over Morrison Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR1544 over Morrison 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR1544 over Morrison Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1544 over Morrison Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1544 over Morrison Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.