US Bridges

US17 over Lookout Branch

Fair

Brunswick County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.S.JCT.NC130 · Structure no. 000000000190214

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
28,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US17 over Lookout Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US17 over Lookout Branch in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 28,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,000 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS17
CrossesLookout Branch
Location0.3 MI.S.JCT.NC130
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyBrunswick County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates33.97395, -78.40777
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,500 (2019)
Projected traffic57,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US17 over Lookout Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US17 over Lookout Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US17 over Lookout Branch carry?

About 28,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US17 over Lookout Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US17 over Lookout Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.