US Bridges

NC49 over Prong Rocky River

Fair

Randolph County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. N. Jct. SR2501 · Structure no. 000000001510487

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC49 over Prong Rocky River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC49 over Prong Rocky River in Randolph County, North Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesNC49
CrossesProng Rocky River
Location0.8 Mi. N. Jct. SR2501
RouteState Highway 49
Coordinates35.86453, -79.54283
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2021)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 NC49 over Prong Rocky River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC49 over Prong Rocky 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC49 over Prong Rocky River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC49 over Prong Rocky River?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC49 over Prong Rocky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.