US Bridges

SR1608 over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Macon County, North Carolina · 3.25 MI.S.JCT.SR1603 · Structure no. 000000001130121

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
130
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1608 over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1608 over Big Creek in Macon County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1608
CrossesBig Creek
Location3.25 MI.S.JCT.SR1603
RouteState Highway 1608
CountyMacon County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.00397, -83.16458
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2022)
Projected traffic260 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1608 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SR1608 over Big 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR1608 over Big Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1608 over Big Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns SR1608 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.