US Bridges

NC222 over Tar River

Fair

Pitt County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. E. Jct. NC43 · Structure no. 000000001470024

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
963 ft
23 main spans
Daily traffic
1,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC222 over Tar River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC222 over Tar River in Pitt County, North Carolina. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2040. The structure is 963 ft (293.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC222
CrossesTar River
Location0.5 Mi. E. Jct. NC43
RouteState Highway 222
CountyPitt County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69636, -77.4891
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry4: 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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans23
Design loadHS 15
Structure length963 ft (293.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2021)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 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 NC222 over Tar River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC222 over Tar 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does NC222 over Tar River carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC222 over Tar River?

The structure is 963 ft (293.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC222 over Tar River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.