US Bridges

SR1549 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. W. Jct. SR1005 · Structure no. 000000001230071

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1549 over Rocky Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1549 over Rocky Creek in Montgomery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1979, 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 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1549
CrossesRocky Creek
Location0.7 Mi. W. Jct. SR1005
RouteState Highway 1549
CountyMontgomery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.30014, -79.90756
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2015)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SR1549 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SR1549 over Rocky 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR1549 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1549 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1549 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.