US Bridges

NC742 over Rocky River

Fair

Union County, North Carolina · 150 Ft. N. Jct. SR1701 · Structure no. 000000001790019

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
385 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC742 over Rocky River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC742 over Rocky River in Union County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 385 ft (117.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC742
CrossesRocky River
Location150 Ft. N. Jct. SR1701
RouteState Highway 742
CountyUnion County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.18125, -80.30798
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length385 ft (117.3 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 NC742 over Rocky River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC742 over Rocky 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NC742 over Rocky River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC742 over Rocky River?

The structure is 385 ft (117.3 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC742 over Rocky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.