US Bridges

US221 NC226 over Southern RR

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .2 MI.S.JCT.SR1001 · Structure no. 000000001110354

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
205 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 NC226 over Southern RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 NC226 over Southern RR in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 205 ft (62.4 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221 NC226
CrossesSouthern RR
Location.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1001
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.67526, -82.01885
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length205 ft (62.4 m)
Longest span82 ft (24.9 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.2 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2022)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 NC226 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221 NC226 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 US221 NC226 over Southern RR carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US221 NC226 over Southern RR?

The structure is 205 ft (62.4 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (24.9 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns US221 NC226 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.