US Bridges

NC242 over Hornet Swamp

Fair

Sampson County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. S. of JCT SR 13 · Structure no. 000000001630389

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC242 over Hornet Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC242 over Hornet Swamp in Sampson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC242
CrossesHornet Swamp
Location0.7 Mi. S. of JCT SR 13
RouteState Highway 242
CountySampson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.11453, -78.47693
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
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2021)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
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 NC242 over Hornet Swamp built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC242 over Hornet Swamp 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does NC242 over Hornet Swamp carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC242 over Hornet Swamp?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns NC242 over Hornet Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.