Chowan County Bridge Report Card
Chowan County scores 86 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Chowan County, North Carolina
Chowan County has 39 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 2 rated poor and 0 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 5.1% is at or below the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 3,750 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Chowan County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 86/100 (B). The county has 39 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 2 in poor condition and 0 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 3,750 daily vehicle crossings. Poor condition does not mean unsafe; bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.
How the Score Breaks Down
| Factor | Weight | County Value | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor-condition bridge share | 40 | 5.1% | 10.3 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 5.1% of measured traffic | 3.8 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.0% | 0.0 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 31 years vs 48 nationally | 0.0 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 73,760 measured daily crossings | 0.0 |
Score = 100 minus weighted penalties. The score is a comparative research signal, not an official safety rating. Read the full methodology.
County Comparisons
| County Poor-Condition Share | 5.1% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.0% |
| Average Bridge Age | 31 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 3,750 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Chowan County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Us17bus over Pembroke Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 3,600 | 1951 |
| Sr1224 over Br. Rockyhock Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 150 | 1996 |
| Nc32 over Pollock Swamp | High traffic | Good | 5,700 | 1986 |
| Nc32 over Pembroke Creek | High traffic | Good | 4,900 | 2012 |
| Us17byp over Pembroke Creek | High traffic | Good | 4,850 | 1976 |
| Us17n over Pembroke Cr. | High traffic | Fair | 4,850 | 1999 |
| Us17sbl over Nc32 | High traffic | Fair | 4,750 | 1976 |
| Us17n over Nc32 | High traffic | Good | 4,750 | 1999 |
| Us17s over Chesapeake &albemarle Rr | High traffic | Fair | 4,600 | 1976 |
| Us17n over Chesapeake&albemarle Rr | High traffic | Good | 4,550 | 1999 |
Important safety note
Poor condition does not mean a bridge is unsafe. It means at least one major component has significant deterioration and the bridge is a priority for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.