US Bridges

US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI S. of JCT SR2596 · Structure no. 000000001830626

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 35,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,000 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70 US401 NC50
CrossesRocky Branch
Location0.2 MI S. of JCT SR2596
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.76742, -78.6467
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,500 (2021)
Projected traffic71,000 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

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 NC50 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 35,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US70 US401 NC50 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.