US Bridges

US401 over Atlantic Ave

Poor

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI N JCT SR2000 · Structure no. 000000001830175

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US401 over Atlantic Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US401 over Atlantic Ave in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 16,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,000 by 2040. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS401
CrossesAtlantic Ave
Location0.1 MI N JCT SR2000
RouteU.S. Route 401
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.80105, -78.62508
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,500 (2021)
Projected traffic33,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US401 over Atlantic Ave built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US401 over Atlantic Ave in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US401 over Atlantic Ave carry?

About 16,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US401 over Atlantic Ave?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US401 over Atlantic Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.