US Bridges

SR1549 over Nix Branch

Good

McDowell County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000001110302

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
220
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1549 over Nix Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR1549 over Nix Branch in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 440 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1549
CrossesNix Branch
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.US70
RouteState Highway 1549
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71444, -81.87691
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2000)
Projected traffic440 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1549 over Nix Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1549 over Nix Branch 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 2022.

How much traffic does SR1549 over Nix Branch carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1549 over Nix Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR1549 over Nix Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.