US Bridges

US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1593 · Structure no. 000000000230081

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
450 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,000 by 2040. The structure is 450 ft (137.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS64 Wbl NC18
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.1 MI.W.JCT.SR1593
RouteU.S. Route 64
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.77249, -81.69024
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length450 ft (137.1 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2022)
Projected traffic13,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River?

The structure is 450 ft (137.1 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US64 Wbl NC18 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.