US Bridges

US321SBL over Lake Hickory

Fair

Caldwell County, North Carolina · .15 MI.S.JCT.SR1760 · Structure no. 000000000270367

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
825 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
22,250
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321SBL over Lake Hickory is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321SBL over Lake Hickory in Caldwell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 22,250 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,500 by 2040. The structure is 825 ft (251.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321SBL
CrossesLake Hickory
Location.15 MI.S.JCT.SR1760
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCaldwell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.75764, -81.37709
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length825 ft (251.4 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,250 (2021)
Projected traffic44,500 by 2040
Trucks14%
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 US321SBL over Lake Hickory built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321SBL over Lake Hickory 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US321SBL over Lake Hickory carry?

About 22,250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321SBL over Lake Hickory?

The structure is 825 ft (251.4 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US321SBL over Lake Hickory?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.