US Bridges

NC43 over Little Swift Creek

Fair

Craven County, North Carolina · 1.2 Mi. N. of Jct. SR1400 · Structure no. 000000000490209

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
241 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC43 over Little Swift Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC43 over Little Swift Creek in Craven County, North Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 7,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,200 by 2040. The structure is 241 ft (73.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC43
CrossesLittle Swift Creek
Location1.2 Mi. N. of Jct. SR1400
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCraven County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23094, -77.11395
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length241 ft (73.4 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,100 (2022)
Projected traffic14,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC43 over Little Swift Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC43 over Little Swift 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does NC43 over Little Swift Creek carry?

About 7,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC43 over Little Swift Creek?

The structure is 241 ft (73.4 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns NC43 over Little Swift Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.