US Bridges

US276 over Richland Creek

Fair

Haywood County, North Carolina · .6 MI.S.JCT.US23 74 · Structure no. 000000000870186

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
162 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US276 over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US276 over Richland Creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,000 by 2040. The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS276
CrossesRichland Creek
Location.6 MI.S.JCT.US23 74
RouteU.S. Route 276
CountyHaywood County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.49909, -82.98634
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length162 ft (49.3 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2018)
Projected traffic38,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US276 over Richland Creek 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 Richland Creek carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US276 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US276 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.