US Bridges

US321 over Brushy Fork Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1142 · Structure no. 000000001890015

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Brushy Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over Brushy Fork Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS321
CrossesBrushy Fork Creek
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1142
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates36.23758, -81.74809
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic15,000 (2021)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US321 over Brushy Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 over Brushy Fork 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US321 over Brushy Fork Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Brushy Fork Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US321 over Brushy Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.