US Bridges

NC49 over US421

Fair

Randolph County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. Jct. SR2438 · Structure no. 000000001510203

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
275 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC49 over US421 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC49 over US421 in Randolph County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 4,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,600 by 2040. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC49
CrossesUS421
Location0.7 Mi. N. Jct. SR2438
RouteState Highway 49
CountyRandolph County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.82341, -79.57364
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,300 (2022)
Projected traffic8,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC49 over US421 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC49 over US421 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NC49 over US421 carry?

About 4,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC49 over US421?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns NC49 over US421?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.