US Bridges

US74/US76W over Friar Swamp

Fair

Columbus County, North Carolina · 2.1MI.W. of JCT.NC211 · Structure no. 000000000470387

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
142 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74/US76W over Friar Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US74/US76W over Friar Swamp in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 7,750 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,500 by 2040. The structure is 142 ft (43.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74/US76W
CrossesFriar Swamp
Location2.1MI.W. of JCT.NC211
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.32275, -78.455
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 48 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 rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length142 ft (43.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,750 (2022)
Projected traffic15,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 US74/US76W over Friar Swamp built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74/US76W over Friar 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 US74/US76W over Friar Swamp carry?

About 7,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US74/US76W over Friar Swamp?

The structure is 142 ft (43.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns US74/US76W over Friar Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.