US Bridges

NC42 over Contentnea Creek

Fair

Wilson County, North Carolina · 50 W. Jct. SR1142 · Structure no. 000000001950031

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC42 over Contentnea Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NC42 over Contentnea Creek in Wilson County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,000 by 2040. The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC42
CrossesContentnea Creek
Location50 W. Jct. SR1142
RouteState Highway 42
CountyWilson County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69768, -78.06104
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 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 rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 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 closed0.6 mi (1 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 NC42 over Contentnea Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC42 over Contentnea Creek 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 Contentnea Creek carry?

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

How long is NC42 over Contentnea Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NC42 over Contentnea Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.