US Bridges

NC90 over Franklin Branch

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · 200 FT.E.JCT.SR1356 · Structure no. 000000000270018

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC90 over Franklin Branch is a steel culvert carrying NC90 over Franklin Branch in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC90
CrossesFranklin Branch
Location200 FT.E.JCT.SR1356
RouteState Highway 90
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.93047, -81.68367
Functional classRural Local

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 NC90 over Franklin Branch built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC90 over Franklin Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does NC90 over Franklin Branch carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC90 over Franklin Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC90 over Franklin Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.