US Bridges

US321 over Geitner Branch

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.3 Mi. N. Jct. I40 · Structure no. 000000000350305

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
43,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Geitner Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over Geitner Branch in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 43,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 86,000 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesGeitner Branch
Location0.3 Mi. N. Jct. I40
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.71303, -81.35485
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,000 (2021)
Projected traffic86,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US321 over Geitner Branch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 over Geitner Branch 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US321 over Geitner Branch carry?

About 43,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Geitner Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US321 over Geitner Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.