US Bridges

US221 over Linville River

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · 200 FT.W.JCT.SR1349 · Structure no. 000000000110024

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over Linville River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 over Linville River in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 57 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 5 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,000 by 2040. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221
CrossesLinville River
Location200 FT.W.JCT.SR1349
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.07053, -81.87734
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: 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 rating79.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,500 (2021)
Projected traffic21,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 US221 over Linville River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US221 over Linville River 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 US221 over Linville River carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 over Linville River?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US221 over Linville River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.