US Bridges

US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek

Fair

Cleveland County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. E. Jct. US74 · Structure no. 000000000450423

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 33,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 67,000 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74 & SR2604
CrossesPotts Creek
Location0.5 Mi. E. Jct. US74
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyCleveland County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.25006, -81.40228
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,500 (2021)
Projected traffic67,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure7
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 US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74 & SR2604 over Potts 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek carry?

About 33,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US74 & SR2604 over Potts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.