Roanoke River Bridge

Bridge on US 13-17 over the Roanoke River, Williamston, North Carolina

The dual structures carry a four-lane facility over the Roanoke River, replacing an existing two-lane, low-level swing-span bridge.  Construction of this project was staged in order to maintain traffic during construction of the new structures as well as the demolition of the existing bridge.

The 915-foot long dual structures are supported by waterline footings bearing on precast, pre-stressed concrete driven piles.  The superstructure, spanning over the navigational waterway consists of three-span continuous steel plate girders with a 150-foot long center span.  Vertical clearance is 45 feet over the waterway to accommodate barge traffic on the river.

To protect the bridge from vessel collision, a bridge protection system consisting of timber wales and 24-inch diameter steel pipe piles is located adjacent to the channel piers.

The bridge was constructed in 1992 for approximately $3.5 million.  A solar powered battery bank provides electricity for the navigational lights on the dual structures.