US Bridges

NC226 over Somey Creek

Fair

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1700 · Structure no. 000000001610080

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC226 over Somey Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC226 over Somey Creek in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC226
CrossesSomey Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1700
RouteState Highway 226
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.53677, -81.79653
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 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 Somey Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC226 over Somey 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does NC226 over Somey Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC226 over Somey Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC226 over Somey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.