US Bridges

NC53 over Long Creek

Fair

Pender County, North Carolina · 0.6 MI W. of JCT SR1340 · Structure no. 000000001410029

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC53 over Long Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC53 over Long Creek in Pender County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2040. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC53
CrossesLong Creek
Location0.6 MI W. of JCT SR1340
RouteState Highway 53
CountyPender County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.90536, -78.00169
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2022)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 NC53 over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC53 over Long 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does NC53 over Long Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC53 over Long Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC53 over Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.