US Bridges

NC194 over Cranberry Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · 20 FT.S.JCT.SR1322 · Structure no. 000000000110009

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC194 over Cranberry Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC194 over Cranberry Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 40.4 mi (65 km).

Location

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CarriesNC194
CrossesCranberry Creek
Location20 FT.S.JCT.SR1322
RouteState Highway 194
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.16287, -81.95656
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating66.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2021)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed40.4 mi (65 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 NC194 over Cranberry Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC194 over Cranberry 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 NC194 over Cranberry Creek carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC194 over Cranberry Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns NC194 over Cranberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.