US Bridges

US70W over Falling Creek

Fair

Lenoir County, North Carolina · 2.9 MI.W.JCT.US258 · Structure no. 000000001070029

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70W over Falling Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70W over Falling Creek in Lenoir County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70W
CrossesFalling Creek
Location2.9 MI.W.JCT.US258
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyLenoir County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26108, -77.69287
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length121 ft (36.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2022)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US70W over Falling Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70W over Falling 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 2024.

How much traffic does US70W over Falling Creek carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US70W over Falling Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US70W over Falling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.