US Bridges

US321 Nbl over Clark Creek

Good

Catawba County, North Carolina · 2.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1005 · Structure no. 000000000350318

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
369 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Nbl over Clark Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321 Nbl over Clark Creek in Catawba County, North Carolina. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,000 by 2040. The structure is 369 ft (112.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS321 Nbl
CrossesClark Creek
Location2.7 Mi. S. Jct. SR1005
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.55726, -81.24587
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length369 ft (112.4 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,500 (2021)
Projected traffic27,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Nbl over Clark Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 Nbl over Clark Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does US321 Nbl over Clark Creek carry?

About 13,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 Nbl over Clark Creek?

The structure is 369 ft (112.4 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US321 Nbl over Clark Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.