US Bridges

NC268 over Rock Creek

Poor

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .1 MI.E.JCT.SR2081 · Structure no. 000000001930087

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Rock Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC268 over Rock Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,200 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesRock Creek
Location.1 MI.E.JCT.SR2081
RouteState Highway 268
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.20646, -81.07727
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2022)
Projected traffic15,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC268 over Rock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does NC268 over Rock Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns NC268 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.