US Bridges

NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal

Fair

Bladen County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI W. of JCT NC210 · Structure no. 000000000170023

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal is a steel culvert carrying NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal in Bladen County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC53
CrossesLyon Swamp Canal
Location0.2 MI W. of JCT NC210
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBladen County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.46055, -78.27714
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic900 (2022)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal 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 NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC53 over Lyon Swamp Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.