US221 NC226 over Catawba River
FairMcDowell County, North Carolina · .2 MI.N.JCT.US70 · Structure no. 000000001110355
- Built
- 1989
- 36 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected February 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 210 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 13,000
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US221 NC226 over Catawba River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US221 NC226 over Catawba River in McDowell County, North Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 13,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2040. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US221 NC226 over Catawba River built?
It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.
What condition is US221 NC226 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 US221 NC226 over Catawba River carry?
About 13,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.
How long is US221 NC226 over Catawba River?
The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.
Who owns US221 NC226 over Catawba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.