US Bridges

US276 over Shelton Branch

Fair

Haywood County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.S.JCT.US23BUS · Structure no. 000000000870172

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US276 over Shelton Branch is a concrete slab carrying US276 over Shelton Branch in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,200 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS276
CrossesShelton Branch
Location0.2 MI.S.JCT.US23BUS
RouteU.S. Route 276
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.48596, -82.98533
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2018)
Projected traffic10,200 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US276 over Shelton Branch built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is US276 over Shelton Branch 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 US276 over Shelton Branch carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US276 over Shelton Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US276 over Shelton Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.