US Bridges

NC88 over North Fork New River

Poor

Ashe County, North Carolina · 15 FT.W.JCT.SR1308 · Structure no. 000000000090028

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC88 over North Fork New River is a steel 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2040. The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC88
CrossesNorth Fork New River
Location15 FT.W.JCT.SR1308
RouteState Highway 88
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.43848, -81.65414
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length145 ft (44.1 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2022)
Projected traffic1,200 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 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 600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC88 over North Fork New River?

The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns NC88 over North Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.