US Bridges

US321 over Cove Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .1 MI.N.JCT.SR1233 · Structure no. 000000001890029

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,500
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Cove Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US321 over Cove Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,000 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesCove Creek
Location.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1233
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.25377, -81.79045
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length100 ft (30.4 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2019)
Projected traffic9,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Cove Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 over Cove 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US321 over Cove Creek carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Cove Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.4 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US321 over Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.