US Bridges

US74 over Lees Cut

Fair

New Hanover County, North Carolina · 0.6MI.E. of JCT.US76 · Structure no. 000000001290022

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
88 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Lees Cut is a concrete continuous slab carrying US74 over Lees Cut in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 68 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesLees Cut
Location0.6MI.E. of JCT.US76
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyNew Hanover County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.21784, -77.79676
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2017)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US74 over Lees Cut built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US74 over Lees Cut 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US74 over Lees Cut carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Lees Cut?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US74 over Lees Cut?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.