US Bridges

NC268 over Moravin Creek

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .1 MI.W.JCT.US421BYP NC16 · Structure no. 000000001930073

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
117 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Moravin Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC268 over Moravin Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesMoravin Creek
Location.1 MI.W.JCT.US421BYP NC16
RouteState Highway 268
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.14148, -81.17593
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length117 ft (35.6 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.7 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,000 (2021)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Moravin Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC268 over Moravin 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does NC268 over Moravin Creek carry?

About 13,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Moravin Creek?

The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns NC268 over Moravin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.