US Bridges

US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek

Fair

Richmond County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. E. Jct. US1 · Structure no. 000000001530175

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek in Richmond County, North Carolina. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 80 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 22,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,000 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS74BUS
CrossesN. Fork Falling Creek
Location0.2 Mi. E. Jct. US1
RouteU.S. Route 74
Coordinates34.93448, -79.77129
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length34 ft (10.3 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 traffic22,500 (2021)
Projected traffic45,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
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 US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek carry?

About 22,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US74BUS over N. Fork Falling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.