US Bridges

US70 over Ross Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 0.4 MI.W.JCT.US74 · Structure no. 000000000210778

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Ross Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70 over Ross 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesRoss Creek
Location0.4 MI.W.JCT.US74
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.589, -82.52977
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 inspectionMarch 2023
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2018)
Projected traffic38,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US70 over Ross Creek built?

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

What condition is US70 over Ross 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Ross Creek carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Ross Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US70 over Ross Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.