US Bridges

NC197 over Mine Fork Creek

Poor

Yancey County, North Carolina · .01 MI.N.JCT.SR1330 · Structure no. 000000001990307

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC197 over Mine Fork Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC197 over Mine Fork Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,400 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC197
CrossesMine Fork Creek
Location.01 MI.N.JCT.SR1330
RouteState Highway 197
CountyYancey County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.95503, -82.28263
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 inspectionJune 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2021)
Projected traffic4,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 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 NC197 over Mine Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC197 over Mine Fork 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NC197 over Mine Fork Creek carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC197 over Mine Fork Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns NC197 over Mine Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.