US Bridges

SR1981 over Tar River

FairPosted for load

Nash County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi.N.Of NC97 · Structure no. 000000001270108

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
316 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1981 over Tar River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1981 over Tar River in Nash County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1981
CrossesTar River
Location0.8 Mi.N.Of NC97
RouteState Highway 1981
CountyNash County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.84682, -77.96439
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length316 ft (96.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2021)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 SR1981 over Tar River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1981 over Tar 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR1981 over Tar River carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1981 over Tar River?

The structure is 316 ft (96.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1981 over Tar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.