US Bridges

NC268 over Heatherly Creek

Fair

Surry County, North Carolina · .4 MI.E.JCT.US52 · Structure no. 000000001710159

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Heatherly Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC268 over Heatherly Creek in Surry County, North Carolina. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,200 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesHeatherly Creek
Location.4 MI.E.JCT.US52
RouteState Highway 268
CountySurry County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.37856, -80.48092
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic9,600 (2021)
Projected traffic19,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC268 over Heatherly Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC268 over Heatherly 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 NC268 over Heatherly Creek carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Heatherly Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns NC268 over Heatherly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.