US Bridges

NC304 over Smith Creek

Poor

Pamlico County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. of JCT NC307 · Structure no. 000000001370030

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC304 over Smith Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC304 over Smith Creek in Pamlico County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 25.5 mi (41 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC304
CrossesSmith Creek
Location0.7 Mi. N. of JCT NC307
RouteState Highway 304
CountyPamlico County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.18161, -76.68875
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed25.5 mi (41 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 NC304 over Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC304 over Smith Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does NC304 over Smith Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC304 over Smith Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC304 over Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.