US Bridges

US221 NB over South Fork New River

Good

Ashe County, North Carolina · 0.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1216 · Structure no. 000000000090541

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
260 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,650
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 NB over South Fork New River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 NB over South Fork New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,300 by 2040. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS221 NB
CrossesSouth Fork New River
Location0.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1216
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates36.29371, -81.49808
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,650 (2022)
Projected traffic9,300 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 NB over South Fork New River built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 NB over South Fork New River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US221 NB over South Fork New River carry?

About 4,650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US221 NB over South Fork New River?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US221 NB over South Fork New River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.