US Bridges

US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 75 FT.S.JCT.SR1301 · Structure no. 000000001930027

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 9,400 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,800 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421
CrossesS.Prong Lewis Fork Creek
Location75 FT.S.JCT.SR1301
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.19708, -81.42758
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,400 (2022)
Projected traffic18,800 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork 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 US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek carry?

About 9,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.