US Bridges

SR1822 over Balls Creek

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR1826 · Structure no. 000000000350151

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1822 over Balls Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1822 over Balls Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,600 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1822
CrossesBalls Creek
Location0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR1826
RouteState Highway 1822
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69295, -81.06675
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2021)
Projected traffic4,600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SR1822 over Balls Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1822 over Balls 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR1822 over Balls Creek carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1822 over Balls Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1822 over Balls Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.