US Bridges

US29 US74 over Catawba River

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.2 Mi. E. Jct. SR2083 · Structure no. 000000000710091

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,124 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
27,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US29 US74 over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US29 US74 over Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 27,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 55,000 by 2040. The structure is 1,124 ft (342.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS29 US74
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.2 Mi. E. Jct. SR2083
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.24574, -81.00916
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,124 ft (342.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,500 (2022)
Projected traffic55,000 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US29 US74 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US29 US74 over Catawba River 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 US29 US74 over Catawba River carry?

About 27,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US29 US74 over Catawba River?

The structure is 1,124 ft (342.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US29 US74 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.