US Bridges

US221A over Trail

Fair

Rutherford County, North Carolina · .2 MI.S.JCT.SR1901 · Structure no. 000000001610101

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
183 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,100
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221A over Trail is a concrete tee beam carrying US221A over Trail in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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.

It carries about 9,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,200 by 2040. The structure is 183 ft (55.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221A
CrossesTrail
Location.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1901
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyRutherford County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.32903, -81.86274
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length183 ft (55.7 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,100 (2021)
Projected traffic18,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US221A over Trail built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US221A over Trail 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US221A over Trail carry?

About 9,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US221A over Trail?

The structure is 183 ft (55.7 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US221A over Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.