US Bridges

SR1728 over Joshua Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .5 MI.N.JCT.NC18 · Structure no. 000000001930291

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
210
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1728 over Joshua Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1728 over Joshua Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 60 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1728
CrossesJoshua Creek
Location.5 MI.N.JCT.NC18
RouteState Highway 1728
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.33871, -81.22539
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating64.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (2016)
Projected traffic420 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 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 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SR1728 over Joshua 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR1728 over Joshua Creek carry?

About 210 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1728 over Joshua Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns SR1728 over Joshua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.