US Bridges

NC268 over Beaver Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 0.4 Mi. W. of Jct. SR1131 · Structure no. 000000001930056

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Beaver Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC268 over Beaver Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2040. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location0.4 Mi. W. of Jct. SR1131
RouteState Highway 268
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.09249, -81.34537
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2022)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is NC268 over Beaver 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 Beaver Creek carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns NC268 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.