US Bridges

SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp

Fair

Northampton County, North Carolina · 1.7 MI.E.JCT.NC305 · Structure no. 000000001310024

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp in Northampton County, North Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1502
CrossesBranch of Bear Swamp
Location1.7 MI.E.JCT.NC305
RouteState Highway 1502
CountyNorthampton County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.32728, -77.28484
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Deck geometry5: 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating81.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length62 ft (18.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2022)
Projected traffic700 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp?

The structure is 62 ft (18.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR1502 over Branch of Bear Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.