US Bridges

US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR

Fair

Durham County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. W. Jct. NC55 · Structure no. 000000000630092

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
101 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR is a concrete continuous slab carrying US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR in Durham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2040. The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70 Bus. NC98
CrossesNorfolk & Western RR
Location0.2 Mi. W. Jct. NC55
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyDurham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.99455, -78.88997
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length101 ft (30.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2021)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR 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 US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR?

The structure is 101 ft (30.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US70 Bus. NC98 over Norfolk & Western RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.