US Bridges

US421N over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1007 · Structure no. 000000000370035

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421N over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US421N over Norfolk Southern RR in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 68 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 7,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,000 by 2040. The structure is 123 ft (37.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421N
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location0.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1007
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.55851, -79.29205
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length123 ft (37.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,500 (2022)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US421N over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is US421N over Norfolk Southern RR 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US421N over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 7,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US421N over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 123 ft (37.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US421N over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.