US Bridges

US117 over Nahunta Swamp

Fair

Wayne County, North Carolina · 0.8 MI S JCT SR 1542 · Structure no. 000000001910061

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US117 over Nahunta Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US117 over Nahunta Swamp in Wayne County, North Carolina. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 100 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS117
CrossesNahunta Swamp
Location0.8 MI S JCT SR 1542
RouteU.S. Route 117
CountyWayne County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.5137, -77.98139
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2019)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 US117 over Nahunta Swamp built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is US117 over Nahunta 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US117 over Nahunta Swamp carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US117 over Nahunta Swamp?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US117 over Nahunta Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.