US321 over Watauga River
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 100 FT.S.JCT.SR1121 · Structure no. 000000001890061
- Built
- 1986
- 39 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected July 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 253 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 3,300
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US321 over Watauga River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321 over Watauga River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,600 by 2040. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US321 over Watauga River built?
It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.
What condition is US321 over Watauga River 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 Watauga River carry?
About 3,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is US321 over Watauga River?
The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.
Who owns US321 over Watauga River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.