US Bridges

US74 over Edwards Branch

Fair

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina · 1.0 Mi. W. Jct. NC24 · Structure no. 000000001190183

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
107,000
2022 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 1990, 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 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 107,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 214,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesEdwards Branch
Location1.0 Mi. W. Jct. NC24
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyMecklenburg County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.20179, -80.78631
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic107,000 (2022)
Projected traffic214,000 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
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 1990.

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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US74 over Edwards Branch carry?

About 107,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Edwards Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US74 over Edwards Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.