US Bridges

NC279 over SR1438

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. E. Jct. SR1436 · Structure no. 000000000710036

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC279 over SR1438 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC279 over SR1438 in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 7,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,600 by 2040. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC279
CrossesSR1438
Location0.8 Mi. E. Jct. SR1436
RouteState Highway 279
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.36811, -81.32434
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,800 (2022)
Projected traffic15,600 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC279 over SR1438 built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC279 over SR1438 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 2024.

How much traffic does NC279 over SR1438 carry?

About 7,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC279 over SR1438?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC279 over SR1438?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.