US Bridges

NC39 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Johnston County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR2126 · Structure no. 000000001010025

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2022
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC39 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC39 over Buffalo Creek in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,000 by 2040. The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC39
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR2126
RouteState Highway 39
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.6089, -78.25871
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length162 ft (49.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.2 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2019)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
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 NC39 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC39 over Buffalo Creek 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 October 2022.

How much traffic does NC39 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC39 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns NC39 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.