US Bridges

NC197 over Straight Creek

Good

Buncombe County, North Carolina · 1.6 MI.N.JCT.SR2172 · Structure no. 000000000210128

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC197 over Straight Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC197 over Straight Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 35.4 mi (57 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC197
CrossesStraight Creek
Location1.6 MI.N.JCT.SR2172
RouteState Highway 197
CountyBuncombe County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.79573, -82.37186
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2022)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed35.4 mi (57 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 NC197 over Straight Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC197 over Straight Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does NC197 over Straight Creek carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC197 over Straight Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m).

Who owns NC197 over Straight Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.