US Bridges

NC88 over Buffalo Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ashe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1507 · Structure no. 000000000090049

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
118 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC88 over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC88 over Buffalo Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,000 by 2040. The structure is 118 ft (35.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

CarriesNC88
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1507
RouteState Highway 88
Coordinates36.45486, -81.51649
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length118 ft (35.9 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2022)
Projected traffic13,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC88 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC88 over Buffalo Creek 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 Buffalo Creek carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC88 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 118 ft (35.9 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC88 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.