US Bridges

Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek

Poor

Watauga County, North Carolina · .02 Mi.W.Pinnacle Rdg.Rd. · Structure no. 000000001890345

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek is a steel culvert carrying Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuckeye Lake Road
CrossesBuckeye Creek
Location.02 Mi.W.Pinnacle Rdg.Rd.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWatauga County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.21583, -81.90845
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic200 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Buckeye Lake Road over Buckeye Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.