US Bridges

US29/74 over Southern Railway

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR2481 · Structure no. 000000000710071

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US29/74 over Southern Railway is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US29/74 over Southern Railway in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 86 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 13,250 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,500 by 2040. The structure is 163 ft (49.6 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS29/74
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR2481
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.2554, -81.09725
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length163 ft (49.6 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width92 ft (28.1 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,250 (2022)
Projected traffic26,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
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 US29/74 over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US29/74 over Southern Railway 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US29/74 over Southern Railway carry?

About 13,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US29/74 over Southern Railway?

The structure is 163 ft (49.6 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns US29/74 over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.