US Bridges

US76 over Porter Swamp

Fair

Columbus County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. W. Jct. SR1414 · Structure no. 000000000470040

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US76 over Porter Swamp is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US76 over Porter Swamp in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 98 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 3,700 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,400 by 2040. The structure is 99 ft (30.1 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS76
CrossesPorter Swamp
Location0.4 Mi. W. Jct. SR1414
RouteU.S. Route 76
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.32781, -78.91491
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length99 ft (30.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,700 (2022)
Projected traffic7,400 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US76 over Porter Swamp built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US76 over Porter Swamp 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US76 over Porter Swamp carry?

About 3,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US76 over Porter Swamp?

The structure is 99 ft (30.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US76 over Porter Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.