US Bridges

US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2238 · Structure no. 000000000450102

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
317 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
20,750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 103 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 20,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,500 by 2040. The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74 Wbl
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR2238
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyCleveland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.25624, -81.45856
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length317 ft (96.6 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,750 (2021)
Projected traffic41,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is US74 Wbl over Buffalo 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 US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 20,750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US74 Wbl over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.