US Bridges

US401 over Buffalo Creek

Poor

Franklin County, North Carolina · 1.2MI.N.JCT.SR1401 · Structure no. 000000000690048

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US401 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US401 over Buffalo Creek in Franklin 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,800 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS401
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.2MI.N.JCT.SR1401
RouteU.S. Route 401
CountyFranklin County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.24136, -78.264
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2021)
Projected traffic3,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US401 over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is US401 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US401 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US401 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US401 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.