US Bridges

NC581 over Little River

Fair

Wayne County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1008 · Structure no. 000000001910055

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
176 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC581 over Little River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC581 over Little River in Wayne County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 7,700 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,400 by 2040. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC581
CrossesLittle River
Location0.2 Mi. S. Jct. SR1008
RouteState Highway 581
CountyWayne County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.3931, -78.02601
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,700 (2018)
Projected traffic15,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 NC581 over Little River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC581 over Little 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does NC581 over Little River carry?

About 7,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC581 over Little River?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns NC581 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.