US Bridges

US70 over Salters Creek

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi.W. Jct. NC12 · Structure no. 000000000310045

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,483 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Salters Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Salters Creek in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2040. The structure is 1,483 ft (452 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSalters Creek
Location0.3 Mi.W. Jct. NC12
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.89167, -76.40061
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,483 ft (452 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2021)
Projected traffic3,600 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

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Salters Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Salters 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 Salters Creek carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Salters Creek?

The structure is 1,483 ft (452 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Salters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.