US Bridges

NC72 over Big Branch Canal

Fair

Robeson County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR2221 · Structure no. 000000001550461

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC72 over Big Branch Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC72 over Big Branch Canal in Robeson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,800 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC72
CrossesBig Branch Canal
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR2221
RouteState Highway 72
CountyRobeson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.51344, -78.95137
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2022)
Projected traffic5,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC72 over Big Branch Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC72 over Big Branch Canal 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NC72 over Big Branch Canal carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC72 over Big Branch Canal?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC72 over Big Branch Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.