US Bridges

SR1541 over California Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, North Carolina · .35 MI.S.JCT.US19 · Structure no. 000000001150083

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
430
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1541 over California Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1541 over California Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 67 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 430 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 860 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1541
CrossesCalifornia Creek
Location.35 MI.S.JCT.US19
RouteState Highway 1541
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.83569, -82.5168
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (2000)
Projected traffic860 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR1541 over California Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SR1541 over California 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR1541 over California Creek carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1541 over California Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns SR1541 over California Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.