US Bridges

SR1516 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Rockingham County, North Carolina · 0.08 Mi. E. Jct. SR1522 · Structure no. 000000001570175

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
420
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1516 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying SR1516 over Buffalo Creek in Rockingham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 420 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1516
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.08 Mi. E. Jct. SR1522
RouteState Highway 1516
CountyRockingham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.4905, -79.85443
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating45 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (2015)
Projected traffic840 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1516 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1516 over Buffalo 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR1516 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1516 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR1516 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.