US Bridges

NC226 over US64

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.7 MI.S.JCT.SR1774 · Structure no. 000000001110026

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
206 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over US64 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC226 over US64 in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC226
CrossesUS64
Location0.7 MI.S.JCT.SR1774
RouteState Highway 226
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.57397, -81.84547
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length206 ft (62.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2022)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was NC226 over US64 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC226 over US64 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does NC226 over US64 carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over US64?

The structure is 206 ft (62.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns NC226 over US64?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.