US Bridges

NC242 over Dunn Swamp

Fair

Columbus County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1502 · Structure no. 000000000470012

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC242 over Dunn Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC242 over Dunn Swamp in Columbus County, North Carolina. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,800 by 2040. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC242
CrossesDunn Swamp
Location0.4 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1502
RouteState Highway 242
CountyColumbus County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.3452, -78.9309
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2022)
Projected traffic3,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC242 over Dunn Swamp built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC242 over Dunn Swamp 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 2024.

How much traffic does NC242 over Dunn Swamp carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC242 over Dunn Swamp?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC242 over Dunn Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.