US Bridges

SR1609 over Big Branch

Fair

Madison County, North Carolina · 0.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1540 · Structure no. 000000001150523

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1609 over Big Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR1609 over Big Branch in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1609
CrossesBig Branch
Location0.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1540
RouteState Highway 1609
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.80164, -82.53312
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 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 traffic1,200 (2022)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR1609 over Big Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1609 over Big Branch 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 SR1609 over Big Branch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1609 over Big Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR1609 over Big Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.