US Bridges

US70 over Buck Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .5 MI.E.JCT.NC80 · Structure no. 000000001110080

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1942
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Buck Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying US70 over Buck Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1942, 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 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesBuck Creek
Location.5 MI.E.JCT.NC80
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69188, -82.05741
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.5 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2022)
Projected traffic22,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 US70 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1942.

What condition is US70 over Buck 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 US70 over Buck Creek carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.