NC88 194 over Buffalo Creek
PoorPosted for loadAshe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.N.JCT.SR1131 · Structure no. 000000000090055
- Built
- 1949
- 76 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected May 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 99 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 6,800
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NC88 194 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC88 194 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,600 by 2040. The structure is 99 ft (30.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 15.5 mi (25 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was NC88 194 over Buffalo Creek built?
It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.
What condition is NC88 194 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 194 over Buffalo Creek carry?
About 6,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is NC88 194 over Buffalo Creek?
The structure is 99 ft (30.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.
Who owns NC88 194 over Buffalo Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.