US Bridges

NC9 over US74

Fair

Polk County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1525 · Structure no. 000000001490218

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
265 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC9 over US74 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC9 over US74 in Polk County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,600 by 2040. The structure is 265 ft (80.7 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC9
CrossesUS74
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1525
RouteState Highway 9
CountyPolk County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.2815, -82.11444
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.9 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length265 ft (80.7 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.6 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2021)
Projected traffic7,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC9 over US74 built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC9 over US74 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 2023.

How much traffic does NC9 over US74 carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC9 over US74?

The structure is 265 ft (80.7 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.6 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns NC9 over US74?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.