US Bridges

Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River

PoorClosed to traffic

Gaston County, North Carolina · 6.2MI.N.JCT.NC275 · Structure no. 000000000710095

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
514 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,900
1991 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River is a steel truss - thru carrying Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 6,900 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,800 by 2025. The structure is 514 ft (156.6 m) long and 29 ft wide.

CarriesClosed (was US321)
CrossesSouth Fork Catawba River
Location6.2MI.N.JCT.NC275
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates35.39738, -81.2036
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length514 ft (156.6 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,900 (1991)
Projected traffic13,800 by 2025
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2022.

How much traffic does Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River carry?

About 6,900 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River?

The structure is 514 ft (156.6 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Closed (was US321) over South Fork Catawba River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.