US Bridges

NC88 over Big Laurel Creek

Fair

Ashe County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.SR1315 · Structure no. 000000000090031

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC88 over Big Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC88 over Big Laurel Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC88
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1315
RouteState Highway 88
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.44359, -81.61458
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2022)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Big Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC88 over Big Laurel 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NC88 over Big Laurel Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC88 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NC88 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.