US Bridges

SR1538 over Catheys Creek

Poor

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .6 MI.E.JCT.SR1548 · Structure no. 000000001610162

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1538 over Catheys Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1538 over Catheys Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2040. The structure is 136 ft (41.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1538
CrossesCatheys Creek
Location.6 MI.E.JCT.SR1548
RouteState Highway 1538
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39256, -81.91576
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length136 ft (41.4 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2018)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1538 over Catheys Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1538 over Catheys 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1538 over Catheys Creek carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1538 over Catheys Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.4 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR1538 over Catheys Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.