US Bridges

SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek

FairPosted for load

Wilkes County, North Carolina · .5 MI.E.JCT.SR1934 · Structure no. 000000001930350

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
370
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 370 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 740 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2021
CrossesBig Bugaboo Creek
Location.5 MI.E.JCT.SR1934
RouteState Highway 2021
CountyWilkes County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.25256, -80.95077
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.5 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (2015)
Projected traffic740 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2021 over Big Bugaboo 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek carry?

About 370 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.5 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR2021 over Big Bugaboo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.