US Bridges

NC226 over Grassy Creek

Fair

Mitchell County, North Carolina · 25 FT.N.JCT.SR1117 · Structure no. 000000001210001

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over Grassy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC226 over Grassy Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC226
CrossesGrassy Creek
Location25 FT.N.JCT.SR1117
RouteState Highway 226
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.88256, -82.05733
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (2022)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Grassy Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC226 over Grassy 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does NC226 over Grassy Creek carry?

About 11,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over Grassy Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns NC226 over Grassy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.