Historic Bridges in North Carolina

1,203 bridges built before 1951 in North Carolina still in service today.

Bridges Built Before 1951

The United States has 1,203 bridges in North Carolina built before 1951 that remain in active service. These structures are 75+ years old — many predate modern engineering codes and were not designed for today's traffic volumes and vehicle weights. The average design life of a bridge is 50 years, making these aging structures a significant infrastructure concern.

Clear
Bridge State Condition Year Built Age (Years) ADT
GOSHEN CREEK North Carolina Fair 1950 76 2,300
BIA ROUTE 405 North Carolina Good 1950 76 1,000
STREAM North Carolina Poor 1950 76 2,000

About Historic Bridge Data

Bridges built before 1951 are classified as historic in this database. Many were designed to 1940s standards with lower load limits and narrower lanes. While FHWA requires regular inspections of all bridges regardless of age, older structures often require more frequent monitoring and rehabilitation investment.