North Carolina Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis

North Carolina is home to 19,343 bridges spanning 100 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 132,329,774 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of North Carolina's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.

North Carolina earns an overall infrastructure grade of C based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 1,382 bridges (7.1%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in North Carolina is 40 years old, younger than the national average of 48 years.

Of the state's 19,343 bridges, 8,800 are in good condition, 9,161 are fair, and 1,382 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [North Carolina report card](/reports/north-carolina).

These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across North Carolina. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.

The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in North Carolina. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

North Carolina's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.

North Carolina's bridge infrastructure grade of C reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 40 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.

For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [North Carolina state page](/bridges/north-carolina) or the [North Carolina report card](/reports/north-carolina). You can also explore how North Carolina compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).