US Bridges

NC127 over Catawba River

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1351 · Structure no. 000000000350091

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
941 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
19,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC127 over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC127 over Catawba River in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 19,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,000 by 2040. The structure is 941 ft (286.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 15.5 mi (25 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC127
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.2 Mi. N. Jct. SR1351
RouteState Highway 127
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.80241, -81.30444
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length941 ft (286.8 m)
Longest span190 ft (57.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (2021)
Projected traffic39,000 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed15.5 mi (25 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC127 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC127 over Catawba River 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 2023.

How much traffic does NC127 over Catawba River carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is NC127 over Catawba River?

The structure is 941 ft (286.8 m) long with a longest span of 190 ft (57.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns NC127 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.