US Bridges

SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River

FairPosted for load

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1234 · Structure no. 000000001110053

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
361 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2040. The structure is 361 ft (110 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1235
CrossesI-40 Catawaba River
Location0.1 MI.N.JCT.SR1234
RouteState Highway 1235
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.62978, -82.17069
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating21.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length361 ft (110 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (2019)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River?

The structure is 361 ft (110 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR1235 over I-40 Catawaba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.