US Bridges

SR1234 over Catawba River

Fair

McDowell County, North Carolina · .1 MI.S.JCT.I-40 · Structure no. 000000001110142

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR1234 over Catawba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR1234 over Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR1234
CrossesCatawba River
Location.1 MI.S.JCT.I-40
RouteState Highway 1234
CountyMcDowell County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.63712, -82.14382
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 SR1234 over Catawba River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR1234 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 SR1234 over Catawba River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR1234 over Catawba River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR1234 over Catawba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.