US Bridges

SR1781 over Second Broad River

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1782 · Structure no. 000000001110311

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1781 over Second Broad River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1781 over Second Broad River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 64 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 5 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1781
CrossesSecond Broad River
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1782
RouteState Highway 1781
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55659, -81.96717
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.5 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2022)
Projected traffic800 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1781 over Second Broad River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is SR1781 over Second Broad River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR1781 over Second Broad River carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1781 over Second Broad River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1781 over Second Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.