US Bridges

SR1303 over Lake Norman

Fair

Iredell County, North Carolina · 1.3 Mi. N. Jct. NC150 · Structure no. 000000000970059

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
288 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1303 over Lake Norman is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1303 over Lake Norman in Iredell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 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 11,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,000 by 2040. The structure is 288 ft (87.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1303
CrossesLake Norman
Location1.3 Mi. N. Jct. NC150
RouteState Highway 1303
CountyIredell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61694, -80.89009
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length288 ft (87.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (2022)
Projected traffic23,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR1303 over Lake Norman built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1303 over Lake Norman 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 SR1303 over Lake Norman carry?

About 11,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR1303 over Lake Norman?

The structure is 288 ft (87.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR1303 over Lake Norman?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.