US Bridges

US74 Ebl over First Broad River

Fair

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. W. Jct. US74 Bus. · Structure no. 000000000450079

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
332 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
35,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 Ebl over First Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US74 Ebl over First Broad River in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 89 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 35,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,000 by 2040. The structure is 332 ft (101.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS74 Ebl
CrossesFirst Broad River
Location0.1 Mi. W. Jct. US74 Bus.
RouteU.S. Route 74
Coordinates35.29461, -81.57083
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length332 ft (101.1 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,000 (2021)
Projected traffic70,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US74 Ebl over First Broad River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is US74 Ebl over First Broad River 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 US74 Ebl over First Broad River carry?

About 35,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 Ebl over First Broad River?

The structure is 332 ft (101.1 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US74 Ebl over First Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.