US Bridges

US74 over Rays Fork Branch

Fair

Union County, North Carolina · 0.25 Mi. E. Jct. SR1963 · Structure no. 000000001790105

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Rays Fork Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US74 over Rays Fork Branch in Union County, North Carolina. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 84 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 20,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,000 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesRays Fork Branch
Location0.25 Mi. E. Jct. SR1963
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyUnion County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.98125, -80.47147
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,500 (2021)
Projected traffic41,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Rays Fork Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US74 over Rays Fork Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does US74 over Rays Fork Branch carry?

About 20,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Rays Fork Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns US74 over Rays Fork Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.