US Bridges

US221 321 over Winkler Creek

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .4 MI.N.JCT.SR1522 · Structure no. 000000001890067

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
42,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 321 over Winkler Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 321 over Winkler Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 78 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 42,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 84,000 by 2040. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221 321
CrossesWinkler Creek
Location.4 MI.N.JCT.SR1522
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.19951, -81.65903
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,000 (2022)
Projected traffic84,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 321 over Winkler Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US221 321 over Winkler 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US221 321 over Winkler Creek carry?

About 42,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US221 321 over Winkler Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US221 321 over Winkler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.