US Bridges

NC274 over Catawba Creek

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 1.28 Mi. S. Jct. SR2466 · Structure no. 000000000710014

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC274 over Catawba Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying NC274 over Catawba Creek in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,000 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC274
CrossesCatawba Creek
Location1.28 Mi. S. Jct. SR2466
RouteState Highway 274
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.23908, -81.17013
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2022)
Projected traffic30,000 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC274 over Catawba Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC274 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does NC274 over Catawba Creek carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is NC274 over Catawba Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns NC274 over Catawba Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.