US221 421 over Gap Creek
FairWatauga County, North Carolina · 150FT.N.JCT.US221 421 · Structure no. 000000001890072
- Built
- 2004
- 21 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Culvert
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 27 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 11,000
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US221 421 over Gap Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 421 over Gap Creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 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 | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US221 421 over Gap Creek built?
It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.
What condition is US221 421 over Gap 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 October 2023.
How much traffic does US221 421 over Gap Creek carry?
About 11,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is US221 421 over Gap Creek?
The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).
Who owns US221 421 over Gap Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.