US Bridges

US74 over Wide Mouth Branch

Fair

Union County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. E. Jct. SR1731 · Structure no. 000000001790476

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US74 over Wide Mouth Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US74 over Wide Mouth Branch in Union County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 19,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,000 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS74
CrossesWide Mouth Branch
Location0.3 Mi. E. Jct. SR1731
RouteU.S. Route 74
CountyUnion County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.98831, -80.30824
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (2022)
Projected traffic39,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
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 Wide Mouth Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US74 over Wide Mouth 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US74 over Wide Mouth Branch carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US74 over Wide Mouth Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US74 over Wide Mouth Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.