US Bridges

NC103 over Ararat River

Fair

Surry County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.US52B · Structure no. 000000001710032

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC103 over Ararat River is a concrete tee beam carrying NC103 over Ararat River in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,200 by 2040. The structure is 136 ft (41.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC103
CrossesArarat River
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.US52B
RouteState Highway 103
CountySurry County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.50263, -80.60012
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2021)
Projected traffic11,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 NC103 over Ararat River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC103 over Ararat 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NC103 over Ararat River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC103 over Ararat River?

The structure is 136 ft (41.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC103 over Ararat River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.