US Bridges

US70E over SR1239W

Poor

Orange County, North Carolina · 1.0 Mi. E. Jct. I40/I85 · Structure no. 000000001350007

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
178 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70E over SR1239W is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70E over SR1239W in Orange County, North Carolina. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,000 by 2040. The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70E
CrossesSR1239W
Location1.0 Mi. E. Jct. I40/I85
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyOrange County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.08296, -79.14979
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length178 ft (54.2 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2019)
Projected traffic11,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US70E over SR1239W built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70E over SR1239W in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US70E over SR1239W carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US70E over SR1239W?

The structure is 178 ft (54.2 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US70E over SR1239W?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.