US Bridges

US221 over Honeycutt Creek

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · 50 FT.S.JCT.SR1569 · Structure no. 000000001110117

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 over Honeycutt Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 over Honeycutt Creek in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221
CrossesHoneycutt Creek
Location50 FT.S.JCT.SR1569
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.84166, -81.98823
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2022)
Projected traffic6,600 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Honeycutt Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 over Honeycutt 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US221 over Honeycutt Creek carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 over Honeycutt Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US221 over Honeycutt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.