US Bridges

NC126 over Canoe Creek

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi.E.Jct SR1313 · Structure no. 000000000230103

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC126 over Canoe Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC126 over Canoe Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC126
CrossesCanoe Creek
Location0.2 Mi.E.Jct SR1313
RouteState Highway 126
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.75269, -81.75098
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 NC126 over Canoe Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC126 over Canoe 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does NC126 over Canoe Creek carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC126 over Canoe Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns NC126 over Canoe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.