US Bridges

SR1273 over Catawba River

FairPosted for load

McDowell County, North Carolina · 0.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1274 · Structure no. 000000001110101

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2000 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1273 over Catawba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1273 over Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 75 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1273
CrossesCatawba River
Location0.2 MI.S.JCT.SR1274
RouteState Highway 1273
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.61916, -82.1831
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2000)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SR1273 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SR1273 over 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 SR1273 over Catawba River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is SR1273 over Catawba River?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns SR1273 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.