US Bridges

US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River

Good

New Hanover County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. W. End. US421 · Structure no. 000000001290050

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
139 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River is a steel truss - thru carrying US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,000 by 2040. The structure is 139 ft (42.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesUS421 Ferry
CrossesCape Fear River
Location0.2 Mi. W. End. US421
RouteU.S. Route 421
Coordinates33.96156, -77.93995
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length139 ft (42.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2021)
Projected traffic4,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River?

The structure is 139 ft (42.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns US421 Ferry over Cape Fear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.