US Bridges

US52 over Flat Shoals Creek

Fair

Surry County, North Carolina · .5 MI.S.JCT.SR1826 · Structure no. 000000001710158

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US52 over Flat Shoals Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US52 over Flat Shoals Creek in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 72 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.

It carries about 28,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS52
CrossesFlat Shoals Creek
Location.5 MI.S.JCT.SR1826
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountySurry County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.42469, -80.51896
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,500 (2020)
Projected traffic57,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US52 over Flat Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US52 over Flat Shoals 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 2023.

How much traffic does US52 over Flat Shoals Creek carry?

About 28,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US52 over Flat Shoals Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US52 over Flat Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.