US Bridges

NC268 over Little Elkin River

Fair

Wilkes County, North Carolina · 50 FT.E.JCT.SR2018 · Structure no. 000000001930095

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC268 over Little Elkin River is a concrete arch - deck carrying NC268 over Little Elkin River in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 8,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,600 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC268
CrossesLittle Elkin River
Location50 FT.E.JCT.SR2018
RouteState Highway 268
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.23899, -80.89669
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: 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 rating24.9 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,300 (2021)
Projected traffic16,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 Little Elkin River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC268 over Little Elkin 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 NC268 over Little Elkin River carry?

About 8,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC268 over Little Elkin River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC268 over Little Elkin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.