US Bridges

NC191 over Avery Creek

FairPosted for load

Buncombe County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR3498 · Structure no. 000000000210043

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC191 over Avery Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC191 over Avery Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 9,200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,400 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC191
CrossesAvery Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR3498
RouteState Highway 191
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.45205, -82.57383
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,200 (2022)
Projected traffic18,400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC191 over Avery Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC191 over Avery 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NC191 over Avery Creek carry?

About 9,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC191 over Avery Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NC191 over Avery Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.