US Bridges

NC97 over Trib of Tar River

Good

Edgecombe County, North Carolina · 0.1MI.W.JCT.SR1401 · Structure no. 000000000650081

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC97 over Trib of Tar River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC97 over Trib of Tar River in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,800 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesNC97
CrossesTrib of Tar River
Location0.1MI.W.JCT.SR1401
RouteState Highway 97
Coordinates35.97488, -77.77852
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,900 (2022)
Projected traffic15,800 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 NC97 over Trib of Tar River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC97 over Trib of Tar River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does NC97 over Trib of Tar River carry?

About 7,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC97 over Trib of Tar River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC97 over Trib of Tar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.