US Bridges

NC226 over Alexander Creek

Poor

McDowell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.SR1758 · Structure no. 000000001110377

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over Alexander Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC226 over Alexander 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC226
CrossesAlexander Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.SR1758
RouteState Highway 226
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62442, -81.88088
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2022)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC226 over Alexander Creek built?

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

What condition is NC226 over Alexander Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does NC226 over Alexander Creek carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over Alexander Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NC226 over Alexander Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.