US Bridges

US321 Nbl over Long Creek

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.8 Mi. N. Jct. I85 · Structure no. 000000000710068

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
191 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Nbl over Long Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321 Nbl over Long Creek in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 75 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 24,750 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,500 by 2040. The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321 Nbl
CrossesLong Creek
Location0.8 Mi. N. Jct. I85
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.29576, -81.18784
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length191 ft (58.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,750 (2022)
Projected traffic49,500 by 2040
Trucks12%
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 Long Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US321 Nbl over Long 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US321 Nbl over Long Creek carry?

About 24,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 Nbl over Long Creek?

The structure is 191 ft (58.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US321 Nbl over Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.