US Bridges

US70 over Catawba River

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. E. Jct. NC10 · Structure no. 000000000350145

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
795 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Catawba River in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2040. The structure is 795 ft (242.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.7 Mi. E. Jct. NC10
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71839, -81.06572
Functional classRural Major 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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length795 ft (242.3 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2021)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US70 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US70 over Catawba River carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Catawba River?

The structure is 795 ft (242.3 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.