US Bridges

US19E over Cranberry Creek

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · 250 FT.N.JCT.NC194 · Structure no. 000000000110158

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US19E over Cranberry Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US19E over Cranberry Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,400 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS19E
CrossesCranberry Creek
Location250 FT.N.JCT.NC194
RouteU.S. Route 19
Coordinates36.15296, -81.96452
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2021)
Projected traffic12,400 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 US19E over Cranberry Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US19E 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 US19E over Cranberry Creek carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US19E over Cranberry Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US19E over Cranberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.