US Bridges

US401 over Cedar Creek

Fair

Franklin County, North Carolina · 2.5 MI.S.NC56 · Structure no. 000000000690021

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
100 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US401 over Cedar Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US401 over Cedar Creek in Franklin County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 9,800 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,600 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS401
CrossesCedar Creek
Location2.5 MI.S.NC56
RouteU.S. Route 401
CountyFranklin County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.05475, -78.34075
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.4 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,800 (2021)
Projected traffic19,600 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US401 over Cedar Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US401 over Cedar Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US401 over Cedar Creek carry?

About 9,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US401 over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US401 over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.