US Bridges

NC261 over Reuben Creek

Poor

Mitchell County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1159 · Structure no. 000000001210243

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC261 over Reuben Creek is a steel culvert carrying NC261 over Reuben Creek in Mitchell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC261
CrossesReuben Creek
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1159
RouteState Highway 261
CountyMitchell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.07721, -82.08739
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (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 traffic200 (2022)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 NC261 over Reuben Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC261 over Reuben 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does NC261 over Reuben Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC261 over Reuben Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NC261 over Reuben Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.