US Bridges

NC42 over Cape Fear River

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 1.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR1916 · Structure no. 000000000370031

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
542 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Cape Fear River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC42 over Cape Fear River in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesCape Fear River
Location1.2 Mi. W. Jct. SR1916
RouteState Highway 42
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.54896, -79.02464
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length542 ft (165.2 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NC42 over Cape Fear River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Cape Fear 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC42 over Cape Fear River carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Cape Fear River?

The structure is 542 ft (165.2 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Cape Fear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.