US Bridges

US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River

Fair

New Hanover County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. N. Jct. US17 · Structure no. 000000001290027

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 33,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,000 by 2040. The structure is 2,114 ft (644.3 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS17/74/421/NC133
CrossesCape Fear River
Location0.8 Mi. N. Jct. US17
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyNew Hanover County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.24238, -77.95758
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+20 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length2,114 ft (644.3 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.8 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.7 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,000 (2021)
Projected traffic66,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River carry?

About 33,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River?

The structure is 2,114 ft (644.3 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.8 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns US17/74/421/NC133 over Cape Fear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.