US Bridges

US23 over California Creek

Fair

Madison County, North Carolina · .2 MI.S.JCT.SR1348 · Structure no. 000000001150043

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US23 over California Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US23 over California Creek in Madison County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 87 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS23
CrossesCalifornia Creek
Location.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1348
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyMadison County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.88114, -82.51031
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 US23 over California Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US23 over California 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US23 over California Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US23 over California Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US23 over California Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.