US Bridges

SR1304 over Catawba River

Fair

Burke County, North Carolina · 0.4 MI.N.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000000230360

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
350 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1304 over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1304 over Catawba River in Burke County, North Carolina. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 350 ft (106.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1304
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.4 MI.N.JCT.US70
RouteState Highway 1304
CountyBurke County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.73993, -81.72442
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length350 ft (106.6 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2021)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1304 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1304 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR1304 over Catawba River carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1304 over Catawba River?

The structure is 350 ft (106.6 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR1304 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.