US Bridges

SR1844 over Lake Norman

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1950 · Structure no. 000000000350023

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
428 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1844 over Lake Norman is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1844 over Lake Norman in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 8,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,000 by 2040. The structure is 428 ft (130.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesSR1844
CrossesLake Norman
Location0.3 Mi. N. Jct. SR1950
RouteState Highway 1844
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.56547, -80.99036
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length428 ft (130.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,000 (2021)
Projected traffic16,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR1844 over Lake Norman built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1844 over Lake Norman 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR1844 over Lake Norman carry?

About 8,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1844 over Lake Norman?

The structure is 428 ft (130.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR1844 over Lake Norman?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.