US Bridges

NC126 over Paddy Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · .3 MI.E.JCT.SR1308 · Structure no. 000000000230053

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC126 over Paddy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying NC126 over Paddy Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC126
CrossesPaddy Creek
Location.3 MI.E.JCT.SR1308
RouteState Highway 126
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.76615, -81.90532
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2021)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 NC126 over Paddy Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC126 over Paddy 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does NC126 over Paddy Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC126 over Paddy Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m).

Who owns NC126 over Paddy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.