US Bridges

US401S over Swift Creek

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI N. of Jct. SR1446 · Structure no. 000000001830089

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US401S over Swift Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US401S over Swift Creek in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 6 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 14,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,500 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS401S
CrossesSwift Creek
Location0.3 MI N. of Jct. SR1446
RouteU.S. Route 401
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.68757, -78.68099
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,750 (2021)
Projected traffic29,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US401S over Swift Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US401S over Swift Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US401S over Swift Creek carry?

About 14,750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US401S over Swift Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US401S over Swift Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.