US Bridges

US70 over Southern Railway

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. E. Jct. SR1004 · Structure no. 000000000970536

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Southern Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Southern Railway in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location0.6 Mi. E. Jct. SR1004
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.77291, -80.89658
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2021)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US70 over Southern Railway carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Southern Railway?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.