US Bridges

SR2234 over Varnell Creek

FairPosted for load

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. E. Jct. US64 · Structure no. 000000000370421

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
111 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2234 over Varnell Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR2234 over Varnell Creek in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSR2234
CrossesVarnell Creek
Location0.6 Mi. E. Jct. US64
RouteState Highway 1503
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73132, -79.40326
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length111 ft (33.8 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2016)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR2234 over Varnell Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2234 over Varnell 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 SR2234 over Varnell Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2234 over Varnell Creek?

The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR2234 over Varnell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.