US Bridges

NC87 over Discharge Canal

Fair

Brunswick County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi.S. of JCT NC133 · Structure no. 000000000190002

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
301 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC87 over Discharge Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC87 over Discharge Canal in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 9,900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,800 by 1980. The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesNC87
CrossesDischarge Canal
Location0.3 Mi.S. of JCT NC133
RouteState Highway 87
CountyBrunswick County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates33.95083, -78.02532
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length301 ft (91.7 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,900 (2021)
Projected traffic19,800 by 1980
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC87 over Discharge Canal built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC87 over Discharge 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NC87 over Discharge Canal carry?

About 9,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC87 over Discharge Canal?

The structure is 301 ft (91.7 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns NC87 over Discharge Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.