US Bridges

US321 over Red Rock Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · 1 MI.S.JCT.SR1370 · Structure no. 000000000270058

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Red Rock Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over Red Rock Creek in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,000 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesRed Rock Creek
Location1 MI.S.JCT.SR1370
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates36.02589, -81.57944
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length41 ft (12.4 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 traffic10,500 (2022)
Projected traffic21,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 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 Red Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 over Red Rock 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US321 over Red Rock Creek carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Red Rock Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns US321 over Red Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.