US Bridges

US70 over Smyrna Creek

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 15.8 MI.E.JCT.NC101 · Structure no. 000000000310038

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
173 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Smyrna Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US70 over Smyrna Creek in Carteret 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 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2040. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSmyrna Creek
Location15.8 MI.E.JCT.NC101
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.80647, -76.48153
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2021)
Projected traffic5,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 Smyrna Creek built?

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

What condition is US70 over Smyrna 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Smyrna Creek carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Smyrna Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Smyrna Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.