US Bridges

NC39 over Flat Creek

FairPosted for load

Vance County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1308 · Structure no. 000000001810034

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
230 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC39 over Flat Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC39 over Flat Creek in Vance County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,600 by 2040. The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC39
CrossesFlat Creek
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR1308
RouteState Highway 39
CountyVance County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.40915, -78.41873
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length230 ft (70.1 m)
Longest span59 ft (17.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,300 (2021)
Projected traffic10,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 NC39 over Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC39 over Flat Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NC39 over Flat Creek carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC39 over Flat Creek?

The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (17.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NC39 over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.