US Bridges

7th Ave over US321

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.1 Mi. N. Jct. US70 · Structure no. 000000000350110

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
334 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

7th Ave over US321 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 7th Ave over US321 in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries7th Ave
CrossesUS321
Location0.1 Mi. N. Jct. US70
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.72424, -81.35692
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating80.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length334 ft (101.8 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2021)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 7th Ave over US321 built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is 7th Ave over US321 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 7th Ave over US321 carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is 7th Ave over US321?

The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns 7th Ave over US321?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.