US Bridges

NC39 over Big Branch Creek

Fair

Franklin County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1705 · Structure no. 000000000690032

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC39 over Big Branch Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC39 over Big Branch Creek in Franklin 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 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,600 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC39
CrossesBig Branch Creek
Location0.5 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1705
RouteState Highway 39
CountyFranklin County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.0257, -78.29271
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
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 traffic5,300 (2020)
Projected traffic10,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 NC39 over Big Branch Creek built?

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

What condition is NC39 over Big Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC39 over Big Branch Creek carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC39 over Big Branch Creek?

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

Who owns NC39 over Big Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.