This bridge was built in 1961, is constructed entirely of wood with a 2.5 inch thick asphalt driving surface, and is 46 feet long, 25 feet wide.  As of 2014, on average, 278 vehicles per day used the bridge.

In March 2012, a weight limit prohibiting buses and tractor trailers was placed on the bridge.  No vehicle over 6 tons (12,000 lbs) were allowed on the bridge due to the poor condition of the bridge. 

It is important to note that a school bus weighs 16-17 tons  while a loaded fire truck weighs 17-18 tons. 

Construction vehicles, such as Dump Trucks and Trucks with Trailers can be much heavier.  

Overweight vehicles have been witnessed crossing the structure.  Due to this fact and safety concerns over the condition of the bridge, NCDOT is proposing to remove the bridge completely.  The close proximity to additional roadways and bridges ensures that no hardship to the traveling public will be created by removal of the bridge. 

• As of 2021, there are approximately 13,600 bridges in service in North Carolina 
• Each of these bridges is inspected every 2 years 
• About 1,100 (8.2%) of the State's bridges are considered Structurally Deficient
  • ​Structurally deficient means that the bridge or part of it is in poor condition.   These bridges require significant maintenance to remain in service and often require limits on vehicle weights.  
• To replace the structurally deficient bridges throughout North Carolina would cost more than $3.5 billion​

Highway Division 1 Facts

(Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton,  Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties)

• As of 2021, there are approximately 573 bridges in service in Division 1
• Each of these bridges is inspected every 2 years 
• About 36 (6.3%) of the Division's bridges are considered Structurally Deficient
• Current funding is approximately $5 million per year
• This allows replacement of approximately 5 structures per year in Division 1

​Tyrrell County Facts

• 23 Bridges 
• 4 Bridges are Structurally Deficient
  • Bridge #87 -  This Bridge 
  • Bridge #17 – Newlands Road (Riders Creek)
    • Currently under construction
    • Cost – $1,900,000
  • Bridge #18 – Newlands Road (Second Creek)
    • Planned for FY 24
    • Estimated Cost - $850,000
  • Bridge #23 – Magnolia Cross / S Fork Creek Road (Canal)
    • Planned for FY 22
    • Estimated Costs - $775,000