US Bridges

US176 over Vaughn Creek

Fair

Polk County, North Carolina · .01 MI.E.JCT.SR1500 · Structure no. 000000001490084

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US176 over Vaughn Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US176 over Vaughn Creek in Polk County, North Carolina. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,200 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS176
CrossesVaughn Creek
Location.01 MI.E.JCT.SR1500
RouteU.S. Route 176
CountyPolk County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.19826, -82.23222
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 inspectionOctober 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 rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2022)
Projected traffic11,200 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US176 over Vaughn Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US176 over Vaughn 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 2023.

How much traffic does US176 over Vaughn Creek carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US176 over Vaughn Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US176 over Vaughn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.