US Bridges

US276 over Little River

Fair

Transylvania County, North Carolina · .04 MI.S.JCT.SR1536 · Structure no. 000000001750003

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US276 over Little River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US276 over Little River in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 95 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS276
CrossesLittle River
Location.04 MI.S.JCT.SR1536
RouteU.S. Route 276
CountyTransylvania County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.14796, -82.64676
Functional classRural Minor 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 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 inspectionAugust 2024
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 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic1,000 (2022)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 US276 over Little River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is US276 over Little River 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 2024.

How much traffic does US276 over Little River carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US276 over Little River?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US276 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.