US Bridges

US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.SR1303 · Structure no. 000000001930044

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
76 ft
3 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 76 ft (23.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421
CrossesS.Prong Lewis Fork Creek
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.SR1303
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.17767, -81.38061
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length76 ft (23.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 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 structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 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 October 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 76 ft (23.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns US421 over S.Prong Lewis Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.