US Bridges

US74 over Spring Branch

Fair

New Hanover County, North Carolina · .1 Mi. W. Jct. NC132 · Structure no. 000000001290117

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Spring Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74 over Spring Branch in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 32,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,000 by 2040. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesSpring Branch
Location.1 Mi. W. Jct. NC132
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyNew Hanover County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.25506, -77.87301
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionDecember 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 rating86 US tons
Inventory rating65.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,500 (2022)
Projected traffic65,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74 over Spring 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US74 over Spring Branch carry?

About 32,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Spring Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US74 over Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.