US Bridges

SR1569 over Darnell Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.SR1567 · Structure no. 000000001930706

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1569 over Darnell Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1569 over Darnell Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 64 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.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSR1569
CrossesDarnell Creek
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.SR1567
RouteState Highway 1569
Coordinates36.30975, -81.29726
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2000)
Projected traffic120 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1569 over Darnell Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SR1569 over Darnell 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1569 over Darnell Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1569 over Darnell Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1569 over Darnell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.