US Bridges

SR1643 over Watson Creek

FairPosted for load

Union County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. W. Jct. SR1627 · Structure no. 000000001790028

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
530
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1643 over Watson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1643 over Watson Creek in Union County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 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 530 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,060 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1643
CrossesWatson Creek
Location0.1 Mi. W. Jct. SR1627
RouteState Highway 1643
CountyUnion County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.07549, -80.43035
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 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 rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic530 (2022)
Projected traffic1,060 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 SR1643 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1643 over Watson 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1643 over Watson Creek carry?

About 530 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1643 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1643 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.