US Bridges

US74BUS over Puzzle Creek

Fair

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1595 · Structure no. 000000001610053

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74BUS over Puzzle Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US74BUS over Puzzle Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 7,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,400 by 2040. The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74BUS
CrossesPuzzle Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1595
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.33273, -81.83281
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,700 (2021)
Projected traffic15,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US74BUS over Puzzle Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74BUS over Puzzle 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US74BUS over Puzzle Creek carry?

About 7,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US74BUS over Puzzle Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US74BUS over Puzzle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.