US Bridges

US221 over Ut to Elk Creek

Fair

Alleghany County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1332 · Structure no. 000000000050282

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over Ut to Elk Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 over Ut to Elk Creek in Alleghany County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

CarriesUS221
CrossesUt to Elk Creek
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1332
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates36.50458, -81.23185
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2022)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 over Ut to Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over Ut to Elk Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US221 over Ut to Elk Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US221 over Ut to Elk Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US221 over Ut to Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.