US Bridges

NC194 over North Toe River

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.NC181 · Structure no. 000000000110161

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC194 over North Toe River is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC194 over North Toe River 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 7,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,800 by 2040. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

CarriesNC194
CrossesNorth Toe River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.NC181
RouteState Highway 194
Coordinates36.0836, -81.92886
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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 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 traffic7,400 (2021)
Projected traffic14,800 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 North Toe River built?

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

What condition is NC194 over North Toe 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 NC194 over North Toe River carry?

About 7,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC194 over North Toe River?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns NC194 over North Toe River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.