US Bridges

NC231 over Little River

Poor

Johnston County, North Carolina · 1.1 Mi. N. Jct. NC96 · Structure no. 000000001010023

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
184 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC231 over Little River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC231 over Little River in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC231
CrossesLittle River
Location1.1 Mi. N. Jct. NC96
RouteState Highway 231
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73463, -78.28254
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length184 ft (56 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2017)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC231 over Little River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC231 over Little River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does NC231 over Little River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC231 over Little River?

The structure is 184 ft (56 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC231 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.