US Bridges

NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1165 · Structure no. 000000001110099

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
54 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC226 over Youngs Fork 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

CarriesNC226
CrossesYoungs Fork Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1165
RouteState Highway 226
Coordinates35.66074, -81.97115
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.4 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 traffic13,500 (2022)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek built?

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

What condition is NC226 over Youngs Fork 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC226 over Youngs Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.