US Bridges

US70 over Ward Creek

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 7.8 MI.E.JCT.NC101 · Structure no. 000000000310035

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
363 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
8,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Ward Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US70 over Ward Creek in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2015, 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 8,600 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,200 by 2040. The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesWard Creek
Location7.8 MI.E.JCT.NC101
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.78079, -76.57388
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating84 US tons
Inventory rating64.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans9
Design loadHL 93
Structure length363 ft (110.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,600 (2021)
Projected traffic17,200 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Ward Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US70 over Ward 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Ward Creek carry?

About 8,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Ward Creek?

The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Ward Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.