US Bridges

US421 over Loves Creek

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. S. Jct. US64 · Structure no. 000000000370441

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421 over Loves Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US421 over Loves Creek in Chatham 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 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421
CrossesLoves Creek
Location0.3 Mi. S. Jct. US64
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73035, -79.43069
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US421 over Loves Creek built?

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

What condition is US421 over Loves 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US421 over Loves Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US421 over Loves Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US421 over Loves Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.