US Bridges

NC42 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Johnston County, North Carolina · 1.3MI E. of JCT SR1003 · Structure no. 000000001010093

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC42 over Buffalo Creek in Johnston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 9,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,200 by 2040. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.3MI E. of JCT SR1003
RouteState Highway 42
CountyJohnston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.65564, -78.33019
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,100 (2022)
Projected traffic18,200 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does NC42 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 9,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.