US Bridges

NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek

FairPosted for load

Mitchell County, North Carolina · .03 MI.S.JCT.SR1349 · Structure no. 000000001210164

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC197
CrossesPigeonroost Creek
Location.03 MI.S.JCT.SR1349
RouteState Highway 197
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.04593, -82.29906
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2022)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC197 over Pigeonroost 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns NC197 over Pigeonroost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.