US Bridges

US74A over Gashes Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .2 MI.W.JCT.SR3071 · Structure no. 000000000210103

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74A over Gashes Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74A over Gashes Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 26,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 53,000 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74A
CrossesGashes Creek
Location.2 MI.W.JCT.SR3071
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56199, -82.49239
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,500 (2022)
Projected traffic53,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 US74A over Gashes Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74A over Gashes 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US74A over Gashes Creek carry?

About 26,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74A over Gashes Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US74A over Gashes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.