US Bridges

SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .4 MI.S.JCT.US321A · Structure no. 000000000270183

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,200 by 2040. The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1959
CrossesCwcy Railroad
Location.4 MI.S.JCT.US321A
RouteState Highway 1959
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.88567, -81.52952
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length145 ft (44.1 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2021)
Projected traffic7,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad 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 SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad?

The structure is 145 ft (44.1 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR1959 over Cwcy Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.