US Bridges

SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek

Poor

Madison County, North Carolina · 0.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1502 · Structure no. 000000001150544

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
1998 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1501
CrossesWolf Laurel Branch Creek
Location0.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1502
RouteState Highway 1501
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.95135, -82.5185
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic30 (1998)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR1501 over Wolf Laurel Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.