US Bridges

SR1832 over Balls Creek

FairPosted for load

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR1004 · Structure no. 000000000350160

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
149 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1832 over Balls Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1832 over Balls Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2040. The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1832
CrossesBalls Creek
Location0.5 Mi. S. Jct. SR1004
RouteState Highway 1832
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.68886, -80.98953
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length149 ft (45.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2021)
Projected traffic2,800 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 SR1832 over Balls Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1832 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 SR1832 over Balls Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1832 over Balls Creek?

The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR1832 over Balls Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.