US Bridges

NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet

Fair

Hyde County, North Carolina · Ocracoke Island · Structure no. 000000000950113

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet in Hyde County, North Carolina. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 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 1,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2040. The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC12 Ferry
CrossesHatteras Inlet
LocationOcracoke Island
RouteState Highway 12
CountyHyde County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.18994, -75.78003
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length80 ft (24.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2022)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet?

The structure is 80 ft (24.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns NC12 Ferry over Hatteras Inlet?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.