US Bridges

NC55 over Thunder Swamp

Fair

Wayne County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.E.JCT.SR1117 · Structure no. 000000001910302

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,200
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC55 over Thunder Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC55 over Thunder Swamp in Wayne County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 6 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 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,400 by 2040. The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC55
CrossesThunder Swamp
Location0.3 MI.E.JCT.SR1117
RouteState Highway 55
CountyWayne County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.20653, -78.10319
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length36 ft (10.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2019)
Projected traffic8,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 NC55 over Thunder Swamp built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC55 over Thunder 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NC55 over Thunder Swamp carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC55 over Thunder Swamp?

The structure is 36 ft (10.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC55 over Thunder Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.