US Bridges

NC96 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Johnston County, North Carolina · 2.9 MI S.NC42 · Structure no. 000000001010071

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC96 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC96 over Buffalo Creek in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 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 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 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2040. The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC96
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location2.9 MI S.NC42
RouteState Highway 96
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61996, -78.29151
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length143 ft (43.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2021)
Projected traffic8,000 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 NC96 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC96 over Buffalo 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NC96 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC96 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC96 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.