US Bridges

SR1559 over Gabriel Creek

Fair

Madison County, North Carolina · .9 MI.W.JCT.SR1562 · Structure no. 000000001150293

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1559 over Gabriel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1559 over Gabriel Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1559
CrossesGabriel Creek
Location.9 MI.W.JCT.SR1562
RouteState Highway 1559
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.78705, -82.57047
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2019)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1559 over Gabriel Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1559 over Gabriel 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR1559 over Gabriel Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1559 over Gabriel Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns SR1559 over Gabriel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.