US Bridges

US70 over Southern RR

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .01 MI.E.JCT.SR1726 · Structure no. 000000000230088

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
254 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Southern RR in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,200 by 2040. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSouthern RR
Location.01 MI.E.JCT.SR1726
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.74882, -81.59264
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,600 (2022)
Projected traffic19,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Southern RR 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 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Southern RR carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Southern RR?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.