US Bridges

US21 over Fifth Creek

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. N. Jct. I77 · Structure no. 000000000970542

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US21 over Fifth Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US21 over Fifth Creek in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 100 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS21
CrossesFifth Creek
Location0.1 Mi. N. Jct. I77
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.85068, -80.85733
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,000 (2021)
Projected traffic22,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 US21 over Fifth Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is US21 over Fifth 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US21 over Fifth Creek carry?

About 11,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US21 over Fifth Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US21 over Fifth Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.