US Bridges

US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · 25 FT.S.JCT.SR1532 · Structure no. 000000001890052

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv is a concrete culvert carrying US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 76 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 22,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,000 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221 US32
CrossesMid. Fork S. Fork New Rv
Location25 FT.S.JCT.SR1532
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.18143, -81.64873
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,500 (2021)
Projected traffic45,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv 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 US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv carry?

About 22,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m).

Who owns US221 US32 over Mid. Fork S. Fork New Rv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.