US Bridges

NC304 over Gale Creek

Fair

Pamlico County, North Carolina · 1.9 Mi.S. of JCT.NC33 · Structure no. 000000001370042

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
110 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC304 over Gale Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC304 over Gale Creek in Pamlico County, North Carolina. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC304
CrossesGale Creek
Location1.9 Mi.S. of JCT.NC33
RouteState Highway 304
CountyPamlico County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.22171, -76.61186
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2019)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 NC304 over Gale Creek built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC304 over Gale Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does NC304 over Gale Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC304 over Gale Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC304 over Gale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.