US Bridges

US70 over Southern RR

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · .05 MI.W.JCT.SR1826 · Structure no. 000000001110127

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
198 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Southern RR in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,800 by 2040. The structure is 198 ft (60.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesSouthern RR
Location.05 MI.W.JCT.SR1826
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.70255, -81.97156
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length198 ft (60.3 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,400 (2022)
Projected traffic10,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Southern RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does US70 over Southern RR carry?

About 5,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Southern RR?

The structure is 198 ft (60.3 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.