US Bridges

NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek

Fair

Martin County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1537 · Structure no. 000000001170002

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek in Martin County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesNC171
CrossesBranch of Hardison Creek
Location0.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1537
RouteState Highway 171
Coordinates35.72258, -76.98106
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2022)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC171 over Branch of Hardison 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC171 over Branch of Hardison Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.