US Bridges

US421N over Southern Railway

Fair

Randolph County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi.N. JCT.SR1006 · Structure no. 000000001510161

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
134 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421N over Southern Railway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US421N over Southern Railway in Randolph County, North Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 7,750 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,500 by 2040. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421N
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location0.1 Mi.N. JCT.SR1006
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyRandolph County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.81544, -79.55799
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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,750 (2020)
Projected traffic15,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US421N over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US421N over Southern Railway 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 US421N over Southern Railway carry?

About 7,750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US421N over Southern Railway?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US421N over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.