US Bridges

US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.US321 421 · Structure no. 000000001890028

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek 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 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 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321 421
CrossesBrushy Fork Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.US321 421
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.2524, -81.77117
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating71 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2021)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 421 over Brushy Fork Creek built?

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

What condition is US321 421 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US321 421 over Brushy Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.