US Bridges

US321 over Beech Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1314 · Structure no. 000000000110002

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Beech Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US321 over Beech Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 6 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2040. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesBeech Creek
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1314
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.26178, -81.8971
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2021)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US321 over Beech Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 over Beech 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 2023.

How much traffic does US321 over Beech Creek carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Beech Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m).

Who owns US321 over Beech Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.