US Bridges

US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.

Fair

Watauga County, North Carolina · .48 MI.S.JCT.SR1539 · Structure no. 000000001890341

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. in Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 54 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 18,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,000 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS221 321
CrossesMid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.
Location.48 MI.S.JCT.SR1539
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14506, -81.66493
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.9 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,500 (2021)
Projected traffic37,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. 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 US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr. carry?

About 18,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US221 321 over Mid.Fork S.Fork New Rvr.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.