US Bridges

NC53 over NE Cape Fear River

Fair

Pender County, North Carolina · 0.4 MI E. JCT SR1512 · Structure no. 000000001410034

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
294 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC53 over NE Cape Fear River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC53 over NE Cape Fear River in Pender County, North Carolina. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,400 by 2040. The structure is 294 ft (89.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC53
CrossesNE Cape Fear River
Location0.4 MI E. JCT SR1512
RouteState Highway 53
CountyPender County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates34.59864, -77.87526
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length294 ft (89.6 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,700 (2021)
Projected traffic11,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 NC53 over NE Cape Fear River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC53 over NE Cape Fear 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does NC53 over NE Cape Fear River carry?

About 5,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC53 over NE Cape Fear River?

The structure is 294 ft (89.6 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC53 over NE Cape Fear River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.