US Bridges

US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri

Fair

Catawba County, North Carolina · 0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2019 · Structure no. 000000000350326

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri 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 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 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,000 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321
CrossesUt to S Fork Catawba Ri
Location0.5 Mi. N. Jct. SR2019
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyCatawba County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62166, -81.28882
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,000 (2021)
Projected traffic54,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri built?

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

What condition is US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri 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 Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri carry?

About 27,000 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US321 over Ut to S Fork Catawba Ri?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.