US Bridges

US701 over Mill Branch

Fair

Columbus County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. N.JCT.SR.1544 · Structure no. 000000000470080

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US701 over Mill Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US701 over Mill Branch in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS701
CrossesMill Branch
Location0.3 Mi. N.JCT.SR.1544
RouteU.S. Route 701
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.45114, -78.69991
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2018)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US701 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US701 over Mill Branch 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 US701 over Mill Branch carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US701 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US701 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.