US221 421 over South Fork New River
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 25 FT.E.JCT.SR1515 · Structure no. 000000001890069
- Built
- 1990
- 35 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected September 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 152 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 27,000
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US221 421 over South Fork New River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 421 over South Fork New River in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,000 by 2040. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 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 | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| 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 US221 421 over South Fork New River built?
It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.
What condition is US221 421 over South Fork New 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 September 2023.
How much traffic does US221 421 over South Fork New River carry?
About 27,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.
How long is US221 421 over South Fork New River?
The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.
Who owns US221 421 over South Fork New River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.