US Bridges

US321 over Lower Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .3 MI.S.JCT.NC18 · Structure no. 000000000270052

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Lower Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over Lower Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1972, 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,000 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesLower Creek
Location.3 MI.S.JCT.NC18
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.9094, -81.52597
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2022)
Projected traffic56,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 over Lower Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US321 over Lower 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US321 over Lower Creek carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Lower Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns US321 over Lower Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.