US Bridges

US221BYP NC181 over Linville River

Fair

Avery County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.NC181 · Structure no. 000000000110165

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221BYP NC181 over Linville River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221BYP NC181 over Linville River in Avery County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,400 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221BYP NC181
CrossesLinville River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.NC181
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyAvery County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.06774, -81.88125
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.2 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2021)
Projected traffic12,400 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221BYP NC181 over Linville River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221BYP NC181 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US221BYP NC181 over Linville River carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221BYP NC181 over Linville River?

The structure is 165 ft (50.2 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US221BYP NC181 over Linville River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.