US Bridges

SR1649 over Richardson Creek

FairPosted for load

Union County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1650 · Structure no. 000000001790032

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
225 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
430
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1649 over Richardson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1649 over Richardson Creek in Union County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 430 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 860 by 2040. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1649
CrossesRichardson Creek
Location0.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1650
RouteState Highway 1649
CountyUnion County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.07107, -80.40666
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (2017)
Projected traffic860 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 SR1649 over Richardson Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1649 over Richardson 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SR1649 over Richardson Creek carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1649 over Richardson Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1649 over Richardson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.