US Bridges

US23 74 over Blanton Branch

Fair

Jackson County, North Carolina · .01 MI.S.JCT.SR1450 · Structure no. 000000000990139

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
26,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US23 74 over Blanton Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US23 74 over Blanton Branch in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 26,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 53,000 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS23 74
CrossesBlanton Branch
Location.01 MI.S.JCT.SR1450
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3913, -83.18499
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,500 (2022)
Projected traffic53,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US23 74 over Blanton Branch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US23 74 over Blanton 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US23 74 over Blanton Branch carry?

About 26,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US23 74 over Blanton Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US23 74 over Blanton Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.