US Bridges

US52 Sbl over Toms Creek

Poor

Surry County, North Carolina · 1.5 MI.N.JCT.NC268 · Structure no. 000000001710126

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US52 Sbl over Toms Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US52 Sbl over Toms Creek in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 15,750 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,500 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS52 Sbl
CrossesToms Creek
Location1.5 MI.N.JCT.NC268
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates36.39726, -80.49206
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,750 (2020)
Projected traffic31,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US52 Sbl over Toms Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US52 Sbl over Toms 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 US52 Sbl over Toms Creek carry?

About 15,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US52 Sbl over Toms Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US52 Sbl over Toms Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.