US Bridges

US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 0.4 MI.N.JCT.NC268 · Structure no. 000000001930067

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2040. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS421 Byp. Nbl
CrossesYadkin River
Location0.4 MI.N.JCT.NC268
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.1452, -81.17719
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2022)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US421 Byp. Nbl over Yadkin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.