US70 over Catawba River over Flow
PoorMcDowell County, North Carolina · 200 FT.E.JCT.SR1432 · Structure no. 000000001110096
- Built
- 1952
- 73 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 175 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 11,000
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US70 over Catawba River over Flow is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Catawba River over Flow in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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.
It carries about 11,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2040. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US70 over Catawba River over Flow built?
It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.
What condition is US70 over Catawba River over Flow 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 February 2024.
How much traffic does US70 over Catawba River over Flow carry?
About 11,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is US70 over Catawba River over Flow?
The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.
Who owns US70 over Catawba River over Flow?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.