US Bridges

SR1536 over Southern RR

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.01 MI.W.JCT.SR1541 · Structure no. 000000001110063

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1536 over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1536 over Southern RR in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2040. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1536
CrossesSouthern RR
Location0.01 MI.W.JCT.SR1541
RouteState Highway 1536
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71631, -81.93365
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2022)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1536 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1536 over Southern RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does SR1536 over Southern RR carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1536 over Southern RR?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1536 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.