US321 over East Fork Cove Creek
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 100 Ft. S. Jct. SR1149 · Structure no. 000000001890054
- Built
- 1950
- 75 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Culvert
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 27 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 4,300
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US321 over East Fork Cove Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over East Fork Cove Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 4,300 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,600 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Culvert | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US321 over East Fork Cove Creek built?
It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.
What condition is US321 over East Fork 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 July 2023.
How much traffic does US321 over East Fork Cove Creek carry?
About 4,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is US321 over East Fork Cove Creek?
The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).
Who owns US321 over East Fork Cove Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.