US Bridges

NC43 over Neuse River

Fair

Craven County, North Carolina · 1.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1401 · Structure no. 000000000490207

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
887 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC43 over Neuse River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC43 over Neuse River in Craven County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 887 ft (270.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23.6 mi (38 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC43
CrossesNeuse River
Location1.3 MI.N.JCT.SR1401
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCraven County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.21074, -77.12277
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length887 ft (270.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2022)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23.6 mi (38 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 NC43 over Neuse River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC43 over Neuse 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NC43 over Neuse River carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC43 over Neuse River?

The structure is 887 ft (270.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC43 over Neuse River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.