US Bridges

SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.7 Mi. N. Jct. SR1815 · Structure no. 000000000350163

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
287 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman is a concrete tee beam carrying SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2040. The structure is 287 ft (87.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1849
CrossesMt Creek / Lake Norman
Location0.7 Mi. N. Jct. SR1815
RouteState Highway 1849
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.59275, -81.01466
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length287 ft (87.4 m)
Longest span56 ft (17 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2021)
Projected traffic5,200 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 SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman?

The structure is 287 ft (87.4 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1849 over Mt Creek / Lake Norman?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.