US Bridges

NC12 over West Bay Channel

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 5.0 Mi. N. Jct.. US70 · Structure no. 000000000310016

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC12 over West Bay Channel is a concrete continuous slab carrying NC12 over West Bay Channel in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 6 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 61 ft (18.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC12
CrossesWest Bay Channel
Location5.0 Mi. N. Jct.. US70
RouteState Highway 12
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.95572, -76.31572
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length61 ft (18.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC12 over West Bay Channel built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC12 over West 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 West Bay Channel carry?

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

How long is NC12 over West Bay Channel?

The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC12 over West Bay Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.