US Bridges

US221B over Southern RR

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .02 MI.S.JCT.SR1001 · Structure no. 000000001110043

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221B over Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221B over Southern RR in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 7,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,600 by 2040. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221B
CrossesSouthern RR
Location.02 MI.S.JCT.SR1001
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.68257, -82.00818
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.7 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,300 (2022)
Projected traffic14,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US221B over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221B over Southern RR 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US221B over Southern RR carry?

About 7,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US221B over Southern RR?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns US221B over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.