US Bridges

NC700 over Dan River

Poor

Rockingham County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1951 · Structure no. 000000001570134

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
520 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC700 over Dan River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC700 over Dan River in Rockingham County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,800 by 2040. The structure is 520 ft (158.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

CarriesNC700
CrossesDan River
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1951
RouteState Highway 700
Coordinates36.49875, -79.68164
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length520 ft (158.4 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2021)
Projected traffic5,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC700 over Dan River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC700 over Dan River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does NC700 over Dan River carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC700 over Dan River?

The structure is 520 ft (158.4 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC700 over Dan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.