US Bridges

NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek

FairPosted for load

McDowell County, North Carolina · 1.2 Mi. N. SR 1436 · Structure no. 081105000003071

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
1980 count
Owner
Federal
U.S. Forest Service

About this bridge

NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNFSR 470
CrossesLittle Buck Creek
Location1.2 Mi. N. SR 1436
RouteFederal Lands Road 470
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.74527, -82.09663
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1980)
Projected traffic30 by 2045
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerU.S. Forest Service
Maintained byU.S. Forest Service
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek built?

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

What condition is NFSR 470 over Little Buck 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns NFSR 470 over Little Buck Creek?

It is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.