US Bridges

NC87 over Orton Creek

Fair

Brunswick County, North Carolina · 1.0MI.N.JCT.NC133 · Structure no. 000000000190011

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC87 over Orton Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying NC87 over Orton Creek in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 103 ft (31.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC87
CrossesOrton Creek
Location1.0MI.N.JCT.NC133
RouteState Highway 87
CountyBrunswick County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates33.99622, -78.0421
Functional classRural 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length103 ft (31.3 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2022)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

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 Orton Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC87 over Orton Creek 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 Orton Creek carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC87 over Orton Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.3 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NC87 over Orton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.