US Bridges

I26 US74 over Higgins Branch

Fair

Henderson County, North Carolina · 1.8 MI.W.JCT.US25 · Structure no. 000000000890236

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
54,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I26 US74 over Higgins Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I26 US74 over Higgins Branch in Henderson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 54,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 109,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI26 US74
CrossesHiggins Branch
Location1.8 MI.W.JCT.US25
RouteInterstate 26
CountyHenderson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.4204, -82.52608
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic54,500 (2020)
Projected traffic109,000 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I26 US74 over Higgins Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I26 US74 over Higgins 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I26 US74 over Higgins Branch carry?

About 54,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I26 US74 over Higgins Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns I26 US74 over Higgins Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.