US Bridges

NC50 over Juniper Swamp

Fair

Onslow County, North Carolina · 4.8 MI N JCT US17 · Structure no. 000000001330016

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
111 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC50 over Juniper Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC50 over Juniper Swamp in Onslow County, North Carolina. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,800 by 2040. The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC50
CrossesJuniper Swamp
Location4.8 MI N JCT US17
RouteState Highway 50
CountyOnslow County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.55768, -77.58156
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
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length111 ft (33.8 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2021)
Projected traffic5,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 NC50 over Juniper Swamp built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC50 over Juniper 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 2023.

How much traffic does NC50 over Juniper Swamp carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC50 over Juniper Swamp?

The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC50 over Juniper Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.