US Bridges

21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 1.8 Mi.E.Jct.Old Lenoir R · Structure no. 000000000350038

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
340 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,100
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 6 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 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,200 by 2040. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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Carries21st Ave.Northwest
CrossesLake Hickory Inlet
Location1.8 Mi.E.Jct.Old Lenoir R
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.76294, -81.3602
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span79 ft (24 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2021)
Projected traffic4,200 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet 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 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns 21st Ave.Northwest over Lake Hickory Inlet?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.