US321 Bus over Smyre Creek
PoorCatawba County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. S. Jct. SR1927 · Structure no. 000000000350081
- Built
- 1922
- 103 years old, rebuilt 1955
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected December 2024
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete
- Length
- 65 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 9,300
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US321 Bus over Smyre Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US321 Bus over Smyre Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 103 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 9,300 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,600 by 2040. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US321 Bus over Smyre Creek built?
It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.
What condition is US321 Bus over Smyre Creek in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.
How much traffic does US321 Bus over Smyre Creek carry?
About 9,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.
How long is US321 Bus over Smyre Creek?
The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.
Who owns US321 Bus over Smyre Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.