US Bridges

NC42 over Squirrel Creek

Fair

Randolph County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR2845 · Structure no. 000000001510055

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Squirrel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC42 over Squirrel Creek in Randolph County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 95 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,600 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesSquirrel Creek
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR2845
RouteState Highway 42
CountyRandolph County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.64468, -79.72234
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2021)
Projected traffic7,600 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC42 over Squirrel Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is NC42 over Squirrel 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC42 over Squirrel Creek carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Squirrel Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Squirrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.