US Bridges

NC242 over Cow Branch

Fair

Columbus County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. US74 · Structure no. 000000000470391

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC242 over Cow Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC242 over Cow Branch in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC242
CrossesCow Branch
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. US74
RouteState Highway 242
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.39943, -78.90017
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2021)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 NC242 over Cow Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC242 over Cow 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC242 over Cow Branch carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC242 over Cow Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC242 over Cow Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.