US Bridges

US321 Bus over Larkard Creek

Fair

Lincoln County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1587 · Structure no. 000000001090051

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
74 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Bus over Larkard Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US321 Bus over Larkard Creek in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 103 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 6,900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,800 by 2040. The structure is 74 ft (22.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS321 Bus
CrossesLarkard Creek
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1587
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.53801, -81.20897
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length74 ft (22.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,900 (2021)
Projected traffic13,800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US321 Bus over Larkard Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US321 Bus over Larkard 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US321 Bus over Larkard Creek carry?

About 6,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US321 Bus over Larkard Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US321 Bus over Larkard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.