US Bridges

US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 6 Mi. N. Jct. NC275 · Structure no. 000000000710348

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
452 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
20,250
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 6 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 20,250 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,500 by 2040. The structure is 452 ft (137.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS321 Nbl
CrossesSouth Fork Catawba River
Location6 Mi. N. Jct. NC275
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates35.39989, -81.20949
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating99 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length452 ft (137.7 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (10.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,250 (2018)
Projected traffic40,500 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 South Fork Catawba River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 Nbl over South Fork 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River carry?

About 20,250 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River?

The structure is 452 ft (137.7 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns US321 Nbl over South Fork Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.