US Bridges

NC55 over So. Prong Bay River

Fair

Pamlico County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. E. of Jct. NC304 · Structure no. 000000001370036

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
181 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC55 over So. Prong Bay River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC55 over So. Prong Bay River in Pamlico County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,600 by 2040. The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC55
CrossesSo. Prong Bay River
Location0.3 Mi. E. of Jct. NC304
RouteInterstate 55
CountyPamlico County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.14089, -76.76503
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length181 ft (55.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,300 (2022)
Projected traffic12,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 NC55 over So. Prong Bay River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC55 over So. Prong Bay 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does NC55 over So. Prong Bay River carry?

About 6,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC55 over So. Prong Bay River?

The structure is 181 ft (55.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC55 over So. Prong Bay River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.