US Bridges

NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Chatham County, North Carolina · 0.11 Mi. E. Jct. SR1921 · Structure no. 000000000370039

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR in Chatham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,600 by 2040. The structure is 98 ft (29.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location0.11 Mi. E. Jct. SR1921
RouteState Highway 42
CountyChatham County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56949, -78.99771
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.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.8 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2022)
Projected traffic5,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 98 ft (29.8 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.