Avery County Bridge Report Card
Avery County scores 67 out of 100 on BridgeLookup's Bridge Condition Exposure Score, based on FHWA National Bridge Inventory records.
Avery County, North Carolina
Avery County has 108 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, with 11 rated poor and 1 rated scour-critical. Its poor-condition share of 10.2% is above the 7.1% statewide average. Poor-condition bridges carry about 25,510 daily vehicle crossings.
Quote-Ready Local Facts
Copyable Facts for Reporters
BridgeLookup.com gives Avery County a Bridge Condition Exposure Score of 67/100 (D). The county has 108 bridges in the National Bridge Inventory, including 11 in poor condition and 1 rated scour-critical. Poor-condition bridges carry about 25,510 daily vehicle crossings. Poor condition does not mean unsafe; bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.
How the Score Breaks Down
| Factor | Weight | County Value | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor-condition bridge share | 40 | 10.2% | 20.4 |
| Poor-condition traffic exposure | 25 | 14.8% of measured traffic | 11.1 |
| Scour-critical bridge share | 20 | 0.9% | 1.9 |
| Average age vs national baseline | 10 | 43 years vs 48 nationally | 0.0 |
| Traffic-data completeness | 5 | 172,124 measured daily crossings | 0.0 |
Score = 100 minus weighted penalties. The score is a comparative research signal, not an official safety rating. Read the full methodology.
County Comparisons
| County Poor-Condition Share | 10.2% |
| State Poor-Condition Share | 7.1% |
| National Poor-Condition Share | 6.7% |
| County Scour-Critical Share | 0.9% |
| Average Bridge Age | 43 years |
| Poor-Condition Traffic Exposure | 25,510 vehicles/day |
Bridges to Watch
Top Bridges to Watch in Avery County
| Bridge | Reason | Condition | Daily Traffic | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sr1305 over Elk River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 700 | 1963 |
| Nc184 over Shawneehaw Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 7,600 | 1952 |
| Us221byp Nc181 over Grandmother Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 6,400 | 1990 |
| Us221 over Linville River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 5,300 | 1941 |
| Blue Ridge Parkway over Stream | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 2,000 | 1950 |
| Sr1138 over Squirrel Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 1,000 | 1967 |
| Sr1342 over Elk River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 950 | 1929 |
| Sr1305 over Elk River | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 650 | 1950 |
| Crooked Creek Lane over Shawneehaw Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 500 | 2010 |
| Sr1186 over Horse Creek | Poor condition + traffic exposure | Poor | 310 | 1968 |
Important safety note
Poor condition does not mean a bridge is unsafe. It means at least one major component has significant deterioration and the bridge is a priority for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Bridges judged unsafe are closed or restricted by transportation agencies.