US Bridges

NC42 over Buckhorn Branch

Fair

Wilson County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. E. of Jct. NC581 · Structure no. 000000001950017

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Buckhorn Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC42 over Buckhorn Branch in Wilson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesBuckhorn Branch
Location0.3 Mi. E. of Jct. NC581
RouteState Highway 42
CountyWilson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.67776, -78.10158
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic5,000 (2022)
Projected traffic10,000 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC42 over Buckhorn Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Buckhorn Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does NC42 over Buckhorn Branch carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC42 over Buckhorn Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC42 over Buckhorn Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.