US Bridges

I-42 over Bear Creek

Good

Lenoir County, North Carolina · 1.27 MI W JCT NC903 · Structure no. 000000001070013

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-42 over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-42 over Bear Creek in Lenoir County, North Carolina. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,750 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,500 by 2040. The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

CarriesI-42
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.27 MI W JCT NC903
RouteInterstate 42
Coordinates35.29692, -77.80754
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum 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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length270 ft (82.2 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,750 (2022)
Projected traffic27,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-42 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-42 over Bear 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-42 over Bear Creek carry?

About 13,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I-42 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 270 ft (82.2 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-42 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.