US Bridges

SR2278 over Southern Railroad

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · .02 MI.S.JCT.NC7 · Structure no. 000000000710350

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2278 over Southern Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2278 over Southern Railroad in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,200 by 2040. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2278
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location.02 MI.S.JCT.NC7
RouteState Highway 2278
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26504, -81.18197
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2022)
Projected traffic10,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SR2278 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2278 over Southern Railroad 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR2278 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2278 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SR2278 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.