US Bridges

SR1543 over Rocky Creek

FairPosted for load

Montgomery County, North Carolina · 1.4 Mi. N. Jct. SR1546 · Structure no. 000000001230073

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1543 over Rocky Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1543 over Rocky Creek in Montgomery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2040. The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1543
CrossesRocky Creek
Location1.4 Mi. N. Jct. SR1546
RouteState Highway 1543
CountyMontgomery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.28193, -79.91189
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (17.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2016)
Projected traffic260 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 SR1543 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1543 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR1543 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1543 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (17.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1543 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.