US Bridges

US70 over Newport River

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 6.0MI.E.JCT.NC24 · Structure no. 000000000310013

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,248 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Newport River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Newport River in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,000 by 2040. The structure is 3,248 ft (990 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesNewport River
Location6.0MI.E.JCT.NC24
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.72101, -76.69217
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
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+48 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length3,248 ft (990 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2021)
Projected traffic36,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 US70 over Newport River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Newport River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Newport River carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Newport River?

The structure is 3,248 ft (990 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Newport River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.