US Bridges

NC42 over Cypress Swamp

Fair

Bertie County, North Carolina · 0.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1002 · Structure no. 000000000150021

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Cypress Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC42 over Cypress Swamp in Bertie County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2040. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesCypress Swamp
Location0.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1002
RouteState Highway 42
CountyBertie County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.20636, -76.85844
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2022)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NC42 over Cypress Swamp built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Cypress Swamp 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC42 over Cypress Swamp carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Cypress Swamp?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Cypress Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.