US Bridges

NC42 over Little Creek

Fair

Johnston County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI W JCT US70 · Structure no. 000000001010058

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
70 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Little Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC42 over Little Creek in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 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 18,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,000 by 2040. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesLittle Creek
Location0.1 MI W JCT US70
RouteState Highway 42
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.64423, -78.46493
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating43 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,500 (2022)
Projected traffic37,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 NC42 over Little Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Little Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does NC42 over Little Creek carry?

About 18,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Little Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Little Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.