US Bridges

US70 US321 over Clark Creek

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR1476 · Structure no. 000000000350074

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 US321 over Clark Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US70 US321 over Clark Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 14,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,000 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS70 US321
CrossesClark Creek
Location0.5 Mi. W. Jct. SR1476
RouteU.S. Route 70
Coordinates35.69796, -81.27033
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,000 (2021)
Projected traffic28,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 US321 over Clark Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 US321 over Clark Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US70 US321 over Clark Creek carry?

About 14,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US70 US321 over Clark Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns US70 US321 over Clark Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.