US Bridges

SR1566 over Pepper Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · 1.6 MI.N.JCT.US221 · Structure no. 000000001110191

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1566 over Pepper Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1566 over Pepper Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 65 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1566
CrossesPepper Creek
Location1.6 MI.N.JCT.US221
RouteState Highway 1566
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.85344, -82.01152
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2022)
Projected traffic700 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 SR1566 over Pepper Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SR1566 over Pepper 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR1566 over Pepper Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1566 over Pepper Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SR1566 over Pepper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.