US Bridges

NC231 over Carolina Coastal

PoorPosted for load

Wake County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.S.US64B · Structure no. 000000001830034

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
89 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC231 over Carolina Coastal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC231 over Carolina Coastal in Wake County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2040. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC231
CrossesCarolina Coastal
Location0.1 MI.S.US64B
RouteState Highway 231
CountyWake County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.78164, -78.36236
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2021)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC231 over Carolina Coastal built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC231 over Carolina Coastal 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC231 over Carolina Coastal carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC231 over Carolina Coastal?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns NC231 over Carolina Coastal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.