US Bridges

US74 over Edwards Branch

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 0.6 Mi. W. Jct. SR2940 · Structure no. 000000001190181

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
105,000
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Edwards Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74 over Edwards Branch in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 76 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 105,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 210,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesEdwards Branch
Location0.6 Mi. W. Jct. SR2940
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.20623, -80.79546
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic105,000 (2016)
Projected traffic210,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US74 over Edwards Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US74 over Edwards Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US74 over Edwards Branch carry?

About 105,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Edwards Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US74 over Edwards Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.