US Bridges

US70 over Oyster Creek

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · 6.5 MI.W.JCT.NC12 · Structure no. 000000000310039

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
363 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Oyster Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US70 over Oyster Creek in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesOyster Creek
Location6.5 MI.W.JCT.NC12
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.81951, -76.45105
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadHL 93
Structure length363 ft (110.6 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2022)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 US70 over Oyster Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 over Oyster 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Oyster Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Oyster Creek?

The structure is 363 ft (110.6 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Oyster Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.