US Bridges

US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70

Fair

Craven County, North Carolina · JCT.US17-US70 & Neus · Structure no. 000000000490231

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
9,926 ft
30 main spans
Daily traffic
24,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70 in Craven County, North Carolina. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 24,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,000 by 2040. The structure is 9,926 ft (3,025.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS17 NC55
CrossesNeuse R. & US70
LocationJCT.US17-US70 & Neus
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyCraven County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.09721, -77.02572
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans30 (+44 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length9,926 ft (3,025.4 m)
Longest span262 ft (79.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,500 (2020)
Projected traffic49,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70 built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70 carry?

About 24,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70?

The structure is 9,926 ft (3,025.4 m) long with a longest span of 262 ft (79.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US17 NC55 over Neuse R. & US70?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.