US Bridges

SR1819 over Balls Creek

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.9 Mi. N. Jct. SR1833 · Structure no. 000000000350159

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1819 over Balls Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1819 over Balls Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1819
CrossesBalls Creek
Location0.9 Mi. N. Jct. SR1833
RouteState Highway 1819
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.687, -81.01511
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2019)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 SR1819 over Balls Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1819 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 SR1819 over Balls Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1819 over Balls Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1819 over Balls Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.