US Bridges

NC226 over Big Rock Creek

Good

Mitchell County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1334 · Structure no. 000000001210029

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over Big Rock Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying NC226 over Big Rock Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2040. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNC226
CrossesBig Rock Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1334
RouteState Highway 226
Coordinates36.10737, -82.19426
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2021)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Big Rock Creek built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC226 over Big Rock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does NC226 over Big Rock Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over Big Rock Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns NC226 over Big Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.