US Bridges

NC55 over Neuse River

FairPosted for load

Lenoir County, North Carolina · 2.4 MI E. Jct. NC11 · Structure no. 000000001070020

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
515 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC55 over Neuse River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC55 over Neuse River in Lenoir County, North Carolina. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 515 ft (156.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC55
CrossesNeuse River
Location2.4 MI E. Jct. NC11
RouteState Highway 55
CountyLenoir County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.29572, -77.49638
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length515 ft (156.9 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2021)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 NC55 over Neuse River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC55 over Neuse River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does NC55 over Neuse River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC55 over Neuse River?

The structure is 515 ft (156.9 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns NC55 over Neuse River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.