US Bridges

SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River

Good

McDowell County, North Carolina · .75 MI.W.JCT.SR1586 · Structure no. 000000001110070

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
284 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2040. The structure is 284 ft (86.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesSR1552
CrossesNorth Fork Catawba River
Location.75 MI.W.JCT.SR1586
RouteState Highway 1552
Coordinates35.73831, -81.98575
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length284 ft (86.5 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2021)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River?

The structure is 284 ft (86.5 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR1552 over North Fork Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.