US Bridges

US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.SR1127 · Structure no. 000000000270033

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 71 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 14,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,500 by 2040. The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321 Sbl
CrossesGunpowder Creek
Location.2 MI.N.JCT.SR1127
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.85042, -81.47855
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length158 ft (48.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,750 (2022)
Projected traffic29,500 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 US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek carry?

About 14,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek?

The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US321 Sbl over Gunpowder Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.