US Bridges

NC127 over US70 US321 Bus

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1182 · Structure no. 000000000350063

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC127 over US70 US321 Bus is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC127 over US70 US321 Bus in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2040. The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC127
CrossesUS70 US321 Bus
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1182
RouteState Highway 127
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71687, -81.33992
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length158 ft (48.1 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.2 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (2021)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 NC127 over US70 US321 Bus built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC127 over US70 US321 Bus 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 2025.

How much traffic does NC127 over US70 US321 Bus carry?

About 11,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC127 over US70 US321 Bus?

The structure is 158 ft (48.1 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.2 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns NC127 over US70 US321 Bus?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.