US Bridges

NC120 over US74 Byp.

Poor

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1926 · Structure no. 000000001610012

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
232 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC120 over US74 Byp. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC120 over US74 Byp. in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 34 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC120
CrossesUS74 Byp.
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1926
RouteState Highway 120
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.29643, -81.73335
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC120 over US74 Byp. built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC120 over US74 Byp. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does NC120 over US74 Byp. carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC120 over US74 Byp.?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NC120 over US74 Byp.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.