US Bridges

NC305 over Bear Swamp

Fair

Northampton County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1122 · Structure no. 000000001310062

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC305 over Bear Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC305 over Bear Swamp in Northampton County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC305
CrossesBear Swamp
Location0.1 Mi.N. of JCT.SR1122
RouteState Highway 305
CountyNorthampton County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.3456, -77.33621
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2022)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 NC305 over Bear Swamp built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC305 over Bear Swamp 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does NC305 over Bear Swamp carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC305 over Bear Swamp?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC305 over Bear Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.