US Bridges

NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek

Poor

Ashe County, North Carolina · 250 FT.W.JCT.SR1638 · Structure no. 000000000090525

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC88
CrossesUt to Peak Creek
Location250 FT.W.JCT.SR1638
RouteState Highway 88
CountyAshe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.39367, -81.3223
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 Ut to Peak Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC88 over Ut to Peak 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek carry?

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

How long is NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns NC88 over Ut to Peak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.