US Bridges

SR1562 over Bowlin Creek

FairPosted for load

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1564 · Structure no. 000000001930380

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1562 over Bowlin Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1562 over Bowlin Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1987, 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1562
CrossesBowlin Creek
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1564
RouteState Highway 1562
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.32442, -81.34071
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length79 ft (24 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 SR1562 over Bowlin Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SR1562 over Bowlin 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR1562 over Bowlin Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1562 over Bowlin Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1562 over Bowlin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.