US Bridges

SR1457 over Buff Creek

Fair

Jackson County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1432 · Structure no. 000000000990031

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
580
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1457 over Buff Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1457 over Buff Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 580 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,160 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR1457
CrossesBuff Creek
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1432
RouteState Highway 1457
Coordinates35.40649, -83.16101
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic580 (2017)
Projected traffic1,160 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1457 over Buff Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1457 over Buff 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1457 over Buff Creek carry?

About 580 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1457 over Buff Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1457 over Buff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.