US Bridges

NC55 over Upper Broad Creek

Fair

Craven County, North Carolina · 1.5 Mi.E. of JCT.SR1600 · Structure no. 000000000490065

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
721 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
12,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC55 over Upper Broad Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC55 over Upper Broad Creek in Craven County, North Carolina. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 12,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,000 by 2040. The structure is 721 ft (219.7 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC55
CrossesUpper Broad Creek
Location1.5 Mi.E. of JCT.SR1600
RouteState Highway 55
CountyCraven County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.13879, -76.9786
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length721 ft (219.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width69 ft (21.1 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,500 (2019)
Projected traffic25,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 NC55 over Upper Broad Creek built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC55 over Upper Broad 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NC55 over Upper Broad Creek carry?

About 12,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC55 over Upper Broad Creek?

The structure is 721 ft (219.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns NC55 over Upper Broad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.