US Bridges

NC242 over Horsepen Branch

Good

Bladen County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1183 · Structure no. 000000000170005

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC242 over Horsepen Branch is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC242 over Horsepen Branch in Bladen County, North Carolina. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 122 ft (37.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC242
CrossesHorsepen Branch
Location0.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1183
RouteState Highway 242
CountyBladen County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.49573, -78.84094
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length122 ft (37.1 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2019)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC242 over Horsepen Branch built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC242 over Horsepen Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does NC242 over Horsepen Branch carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC242 over Horsepen Branch?

The structure is 122 ft (37.1 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC242 over Horsepen Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.