US Bridges

NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 3.2 Mi.N. of JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000000310012

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
3,065 ft
39 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,600 by 2040. The structure is 3,065 ft (934.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC12
CrossesThorofare Bay Channel
Location3.2 Mi.N. of JCT.US70
RouteState Highway 12
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.92645, -76.3638
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionApril 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 rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans39
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length3,065 ft (934.2 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2022)
Projected traffic1,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel?

The structure is 3,065 ft (934.2 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NC12 over Thorofare Bay Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.