US Bridges

US23 74 over Soapstone Creek

Fair

Jackson County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1708 · Structure no. 000000000990142

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
24,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US23 74 over Soapstone Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US23 74 over Soapstone Creek in Jackson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 68 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 24,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,000 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS23 74
CrossesSoapstone Creek
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1708
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyJackson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.39615, -83.13671
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,000 (2022)
Projected traffic48,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US23 74 over Soapstone Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is US23 74 over Soapstone 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US23 74 over Soapstone Creek carry?

About 24,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US23 74 over Soapstone Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US23 74 over Soapstone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.