US Bridges

NC88 over North Fork New River

Poor

Ashe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.W.JCT.SR1122 · Structure no. 000000000090022

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
142 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC88 over North Fork New River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC88 over North Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2040. The structure is 142 ft (43.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesNC88
CrossesNorth Fork New River
Location.3 MI.W.JCT.SR1122
RouteState Highway 88
Coordinates36.42558, -81.65836
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length142 ft (43.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2022)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC88 over North Fork New River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC88 over North Fork New River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does NC88 over North Fork New River carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC88 over North Fork New River?

The structure is 142 ft (43.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC88 over North Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.