US Bridges

SR1728 over Joshua Creek

Poor

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .9 MI.E.JCT.NC18 · Structure no. 000000001930152

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1728 over Joshua Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR1728 over Joshua Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1728
CrossesJoshua Creek
Location.9 MI.E.JCT.NC18
RouteState Highway 1728
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.34436, -81.22541
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionDecember 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 rating89 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2022)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 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 SR1728 over Joshua Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1728 over Joshua 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1728 over Joshua Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1728 over Joshua Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns SR1728 over Joshua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.