US Bridges

US321 Bus over Walker Branch

Fair

Lincoln County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1267 · Structure no. 000000001090045

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Bus over Walker Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 Bus over Walker Branch in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,000 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS321 Bus
CrossesWalker Branch
Location0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1267
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.48506, -81.24323
Functional classUrban Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic15,500 (2021)
Projected traffic31,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US321 Bus over Walker Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 Bus over Walker 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US321 Bus over Walker Branch carry?

About 15,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 Bus over Walker Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US321 Bus over Walker Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.