US Bridges

SR2959 over I40

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. S. Jct. US70 · Structure no. 000000000350068

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
271 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR2959 over I40 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR2959 over I40 in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,400 by 2040. The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR2959
CrossesI40
Location0.3 Mi. S. Jct. US70
RouteState Highway 2959
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71068, -81.33845
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length271 ft (82.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.4 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2021)
Projected traffic6,400 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 SR2959 over I40 built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR2959 over I40 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 SR2959 over I40 carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR2959 over I40?

The structure is 271 ft (82.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.4 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SR2959 over I40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.