NC197 over Bowlens Creek
PoorYancey County, North Carolina · .03 MI.S.JCT.SR1139 · Structure no. 000000001990051
- Built
- 1939
- 86 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected August 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 53 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 2,500
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
NC197 over Bowlens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC197 over Bowlens Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2040. The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was NC197 over Bowlens Creek built?
It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.
What condition is NC197 over Bowlens 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 August 2023.
How much traffic does NC197 over Bowlens Creek carry?
About 2,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is NC197 over Bowlens Creek?
The structure is 53 ft (16.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.
Who owns NC197 over Bowlens Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.