US Bridges

NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek

Fair

Pitt County, North Carolina · 0.8 MI N JCT US264A · Structure no. 000000001470026

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek in Pitt County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,400 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC121
CrossesLittle Contentnea Creek
Location0.8 MI N JCT US264A
RouteState Highway 121
CountyPitt County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.60676, -77.57469
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2021)
Projected traffic5,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC121 over Little Contentnea 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns NC121 over Little Contentnea Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.