US Bridges

NC18 over Kings Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1552 · Structure no. 000000000270027

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC18 over Kings Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC18 over Kings Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 4,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,600 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC18
CrossesKings Creek
Location.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1552
RouteState Highway 18
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.99549, -81.3984
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 rating94.9 US tons
Inventory rating73 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,300 (2022)
Projected traffic8,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 NC18 over Kings Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC18 over Kings 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NC18 over Kings Creek carry?

About 4,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC18 over Kings Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC18 over Kings Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.