US Bridges

US70 over Catawba River

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .05 MI.W.JCT.SR1197 · Structure no. 000000001110107

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
324 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,500
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US70 over Catawba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US70 over Catawba River 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 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 14,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,000 by 2040. The structure is 324 ft (98.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS70
CrossesCatawba River
Location.05 MI.W.JCT.SR1197
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.69824, -82.04716
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length324 ft (98.7 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,500 (2022)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US70 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US70 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US70 over Catawba River carry?

About 14,500 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US70 over Catawba River?

The structure is 324 ft (98.7 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US70 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.