US Bridges

NC279 over Catawba Creek

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.9 Mi. S. Jct. NC273 · Structure no. 000000000710001

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
480 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC279 over Catawba Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC279 over Catawba Creek in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 8,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,800 by 2040. The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC279
CrossesCatawba Creek
Location0.9 Mi. S. Jct. NC273
RouteState Highway 279
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.15143, -81.05811
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length480 ft (146.3 m)
Longest span144 ft (43.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,400 (2022)
Projected traffic16,800 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC279 over Catawba Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC279 over Catawba 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does NC279 over Catawba Creek carry?

About 8,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is NC279 over Catawba Creek?

The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (43.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns NC279 over Catawba Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.