US Bridges

US221 over Goose Creek

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · .4 MI.S.JCT.SR1152 · Structure no. 000000001110028

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over Goose Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 over Goose Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 8,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,000 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221
CrossesGoose Creek
Location.4 MI.S.JCT.SR1152
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.60513, -81.98465
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
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 traffic8,500 (2022)
Projected traffic17,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US221 over Goose Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over Goose Creek 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 US221 over Goose Creek carry?

About 8,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 over Goose Creek?

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

Who owns US221 over Goose Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.