US Bridges

SR1551 over Buffalo Creek

Poor

Vance County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. E. Jct. SR1552 · Structure no. 000000001810118

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1551 over Buffalo Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR1551 over Buffalo Creek in Vance County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1551
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.8 Mi. E. Jct. SR1552
RouteState Highway 1551
CountyVance County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.22324, -78.42299
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (2021)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1551 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1551 over Buffalo 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR1551 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1551 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR1551 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.