US Bridges

US19 23 74 over Pole Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .06 MI.N.JCT.SR1153 · Structure no. 000000000210027

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19 23 74 over Pole Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US19 23 74 over Pole Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 24,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,000 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS19 23 74
CrossesPole Creek
Location.06 MI.N.JCT.SR1153
RouteU.S. Route 19
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.54464, -82.68186
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.7 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,500 (2020)
Projected traffic49,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US19 23 74 over Pole Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19 23 74 over Pole 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US19 23 74 over Pole Creek carry?

About 24,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US19 23 74 over Pole Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns US19 23 74 over Pole Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.