US Bridges

SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek

PoorPosted for load

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .05 MI.S.JCT.SR1531 · Structure no. 000000001610216

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
70
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek in Rutherford 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSR1526
CrossesUt to Catheys Creek
Location.05 MI.S.JCT.SR1531
RouteState Highway 1526
Coordinates35.42864, -81.95923
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2019)
Projected traffic140 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek built?

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

What condition is SR1526 over Ut to 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 SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1526 over Ut to Catheys Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.