US Bridges

NC581 over Nahunta Swamp

Fair

Wayne County, North Carolina · 3.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC222 · Structure no. 000000001910106

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,900
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC581 over Nahunta Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC581 over Nahunta Swamp in Wayne County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,800 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesNC581
CrossesNahunta Swamp
Location3.4 Mi. S. Jct. NC222
RouteState Highway 581
CountyWayne County
StateNorth Carolina
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2021)
Projected traffic3,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC581 over Nahunta Swamp built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC581 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC581 over Nahunta Swamp carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC581 over Nahunta Swamp?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns NC581 over Nahunta Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.