US Bridges

NC268 over Elk Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 200 FT.W.JCT.SR1162 · Structure no. 000000001930022

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
201 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC268 over Elk Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2040. The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesElk Creek
Location200 FT.W.JCT.SR1162
RouteState Highway 268
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.0695, -81.40239
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length201 ft (61.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (2022)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 NC268 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC268 over Elk 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does NC268 over Elk Creek carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 201 ft (61.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns NC268 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.