US Bridges

SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · 20 FT.E.JCT.SR1556 · Structure no. 000000001110108

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
161 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 4 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.

It carries about 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSR1560
CrossesNorth Fork Catawba River
Location20 FT.E.JCT.SR1556
RouteState Highway 1560
Coordinates35.80264, -82.01775
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length161 ft (49 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2015)
Projected traffic700 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River?

The structure is 161 ft (49 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1560 over North Fork Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.