US Bridges

NC63 over Friezeland Creek

Poor

Madison County, North Carolina · 1.6 MI.E.JCT.NC209 · Structure no. 000000001150026

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC63 over Friezeland Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC63 over Friezeland Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC63
CrossesFriezeland Creek
Location1.6 MI.E.JCT.NC209
RouteState Highway 63
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73772, -82.85033
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length49 ft (14.9 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 traffic400 (2022)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 NC63 over Friezeland Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC63 over Friezeland Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does NC63 over Friezeland Creek carry?

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

How long is NC63 over Friezeland Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC63 over Friezeland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.