US Bridges

NC242 over Slender Branch

Good

Bladen County, North Carolina · 0.3MI S.Of JCT SR118 · Structure no. 000000000170203

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2022
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC242 over Slender Branch is a steel culvert carrying NC242 over Slender Branch 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC242
CrossesSlender Branch
Location0.3MI S.Of JCT SR118
RouteState Highway 242
CountyBladen County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.48791, -78.84553
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2018)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Slender Branch built?

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

What condition is NC242 over Slender 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does NC242 over Slender Branch carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC242 over Slender Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns NC242 over Slender Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.