US Bridges

US221 over N Muddy Creek

Good

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.5 MI.N.JCT.SR1153 · Structure no. 000000001110029

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
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 N Muddy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 over N Muddy Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

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).

CarriesUS221
CrossesN Muddy Creek
Location0.5 MI.N.JCT.SR1153
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates35.62229, -81.98621
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 over N Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over N Muddy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does US221 over N Muddy Creek carry?

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

How long is US221 over N Muddy Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US221 over N Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.