US Bridges

SR1703 over Merkle Swamp

Good

Sampson County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI .N. Jct. SR1816 · Structure no. 000000001630195

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
112 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1703 over Merkle Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR1703 over Merkle Swamp in Sampson County, North Carolina. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2040. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1703
CrossesMerkle Swamp
Location0.3 MI .N. Jct. SR1816
RouteState Highway 1703
CountySampson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.13814, -78.3985
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating84 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (2022)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1703 over Merkle Swamp built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1703 over Merkle Swamp in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does SR1703 over Merkle Swamp carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1703 over Merkle Swamp?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR1703 over Merkle Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.