US Bridges

US70 over Flat Creek

Fair

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR2515 · Structure no. 000000000210782

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Flat Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70 over Flat 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 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,200 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
CrossesFlat Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR2515
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62006, -82.31487
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2018)
Projected traffic15,200 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 SystemYes

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 Flat Creek built?

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

What condition is US70 over Flat 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Flat Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Flat Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US70 over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.