US Bridges

SR1536 over Forsyth Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .25 MI.N.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000001110062

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1536 over Forsyth Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR1536 over Forsyth Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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.

It carries about 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,800 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1536
CrossesForsyth Creek
Location.25 MI.N.JCT.US70
RouteState Highway 1536
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70146, -81.97804
Functional classUrban 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.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2021)
Projected traffic4,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SR1536 over Forsyth Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1536 over Forsyth 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR1536 over Forsyth Creek carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1536 over Forsyth Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1536 over Forsyth Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.