US Bridges

US70;US401 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.1MI.N.JCT.I40 · Structure no. 000000001830563

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
48 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
38,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70;US401 over Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70;US401 over Walnut Creek in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 38,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,000 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70;US401
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location0.1MI.N.JCT.I40
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.75424, -78.64911
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,500 (2021)
Projected traffic77,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
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 US70;US401 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70;US401 over Walnut 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US70;US401 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 38,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70;US401 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns US70;US401 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.