US Bridges

US74 over Gum Swamp

Fair

Scotland County, North Carolina · 0.15 Mi. W. Jct. SR1304 · Structure no. 000000001650029

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Gum Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74 over Gum Swamp in Scotland County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 23,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,000 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS74
CrossesGum Swamp
Location0.15 Mi. W. Jct. SR1304
RouteU.S. Route 74
Coordinates34.79902, -79.52371
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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
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 length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,000 (2022)
Projected traffic46,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
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 US74 over Gum Swamp built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74 over Gum Swamp 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US74 over Gum Swamp carry?

About 23,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Gum Swamp?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US74 over Gum Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.