NC105 over Watauga River
PoorPosted for loadWatauga County, North Carolina · 50 FT.N.JCT.SR1112 · Structure no. 000000001890005
- Built
- 1955
- 70 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 263 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 15,000
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NC105 over Watauga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC105 over Watauga River in Watauga 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 263 ft (80.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
No coordinates are recorded for this structure.
Condition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 8 Very Good | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was NC105 over Watauga River built?
It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.
What condition is NC105 over Watauga River 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does NC105 over Watauga River carry?
About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is NC105 over Watauga River?
The structure is 263 ft (80.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.
Who owns NC105 over Watauga River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.