US Bridges

US321 N over Southern Railway

Fair

Gaston County, North Carolina · 0.18 Mi. N. Jct. US29&74 · Structure no. 000000000710351

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US321 N over Southern Railway is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US321 N over Southern Railway in Gaston County, North Carolina. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 9,700 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,400 by 2040. The structure is 157 ft (47.8 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS321 N
CrossesSouthern Railway
Location0.18 Mi. N. Jct. US29&74
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyGaston County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.26477, -81.18571
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length157 ft (47.8 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,700 (2022)
Projected traffic19,400 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US321 N over Southern Railway built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US321 N over Southern Railway 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 US321 N over Southern Railway carry?

About 9,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US321 N over Southern Railway?

The structure is 157 ft (47.8 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US321 N over Southern Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.